As Massachusetts and Connecticut strive for more environmental safety and sustainability, it is important to understand what can and cannot go in the garbage. Waste disposal bans have been put in place to reduce the amount of hazardous waste that is sent to landfills, which significantly impacts residents in the residing states. In this blog, we will go over the hazardous waste disposal bans in Massachusetts and Connecticut as well as discuss alternate options for waste you may need to dispose of.

What to Know About Hazardous Waste

With winter approaching, you are probably beginning to think about where to put an overflowing amount of extra gardening chemicals and pool supplies. Because it is hazardous waste and damaging to the environment, it can’t simply be thrown in with your weekly trash pick-up. Below, we will go over what is classified as hazardous waste, and how you should handle disposal.

• Electronics: Electronic equipment that contain hazardous heavy metals or other hazardous materials. This includes laptops, microwaves, printers, remotes, heating pads, and televisions. It is also known as e-waste.
• Hobby and Craft Supplies: Photography products, pool chemicals, automotive products, and glues/adhesives are classified as hazardous waste.
• Heavy-Duty Cleaners: Household cleaners such as furniture polish, carpet cleaners, and harsh, corrosive cleaners.
• Home Care: Paint, wood stain, and yard chemicals such as fertilizer and pesticides.

How Do I Properly Dispose of Hazardous Waste?

If you have hazardous waste in your home or business that you need to dispose of, both Massachusetts and Connecticut have environmentally friendly options. Almost all towns and cities hold their own Hazardous Home Waste (HHW) days. Some schools also run hazardous waste disposal events for team and club fundraising. To find an event taking place near you, reach out to your local town or the Board of Health. You can also search for recycling centers in your area.

Massachusetts and Connecticut Waste Disposal Bans

Since the 1990s, Massachusetts and Connecticut have put waste disposal bans in place starting with hazardous lead-acid batteries and televisions, and later moving into items such as mattresses and commercial food waste. Below is a list of items that are not all considered hazardous, but still cannot be thrown in with your regular trash.

• Recyclables: Including glass and metal containers, recyclable paper, cardboard, and paperboard.
• Construction Materials: Including asphalt, brick, concrete, treated and untreated wood waste, and clean gypsum wallboard.
• Bulky & White Goods: Mattresses, whole tires (shredded are accepted), and large appliances such as washing machines, fridges, and air conditioners.
• Yard Debris & Food Waste: Leaves and other yard waste, alongside commercial food materials (such as grocery or food processing food waste).

Whether you are an individual, business, or community looking for hazardous waste disposal resources in MA or CT, we would love to offer guidance. Talking with us at LeBoeuf Rubbish Removal can you give a range of options to find what is most convenient for you. If you would like to learn more about our services, you can visit our website here or jump right into a quote. We are at your disposal.