Recycling Requirements: Wakefield vs Waltham
How do recycling requirements rules compare between Wakefield, MA and Waltham, MA?
Waltham has fewer restrictions than Wakefield.
Wakefield, MA
Middlesex County
Recycling is mandatory statewide under MGL c.21H and 310 CMR 19.017. Residents must separate paper, cardboard, metal, glass, and plastic containers from trash.
View full Wakefield rules →Waltham, MA
Middlesex County
Waltham operates a mandatory single-stream recycling program. Paper, cardboard, metal cans, glass bottles, and plastics 1-5 and 7 must be separated from trash and placed in blue recycling carts.
View full Waltham rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Wakefield | Waltham |
|---|---|---|
| State Law | MGL c.21H | - |
| Waste Bans | 310 CMR 19.017 | - |
| Collection Type | Single-stream | - |
| Commercial Food Threshold | 1/2 ton per week | - |
| Electronics | Banned from trash | - |
| Program Type | - | Mandatory single-stream |
| Accepted Plastics | - | #1-5 and #7 |
| Not Accepted | - | Plastic bags, film, styrofoam |
| Cardboard | - | Flatten before placing in cart |
| State Rule | - | 310 CMR 19.017 |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Wakefield FAQ
Can I put plastic bags in recycling?
No. Plastic bags and film tangle sorting equipment. Return them to grocery store drop-off bins. Only rigid plastic containers belong in curbside recycling.
What happens if my recycling is contaminated?
You may receive a warning sticker and your cart could be left behind. Repeated contamination can result in loss of recycling service in some cities.
Waltham FAQ
Is recycling mandatory in Waltham?
Yes. Massachusetts waste bans and city ordinance require residents to separate recyclables from trash.
Can I put plastic bags in recycling?
No. Plastic bags clog sorting equipment. Return them to grocery store drop-off bins instead.
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