Waste Bans

Massachusetts bans certain items from disposal in the trash. These “waste bans” keep toxic materials out of landfills and incinerators, reduce greenhouse gases, and save money by turning recyclables into valuable resources. These rules are part of the MassDEP Waste Bans (MassDEP Guide).

At the Eastham Transfer Station, you’ll find designated areas for most of these banned items. Here’s a guide to help you know why items are banned and where to bring them in Eastham.

Lead-Acid Batteries (since 1990)

Why banned: Contain lead and sulfuric acid, which can contaminate soil and water.
How to dispose: Return to retailers (required by law to accept them) or bring to hazardous waste collection events or place in the designated battery collection area at the Transfer Station.

Leaves & Yard Waste (since 1991)

Why banned: Organic waste generates methane in landfills; nutrients are lost instead of being reused.
How to dispose in Eastham: Bring leaves, grass clippings, and brush to the yard waste compost area at the Transfer Station. You can also compost at home.

Tires (since 1991)

Why banned: Do not break down in landfills, create fire hazards, and attract pests.
How to dispose in Eastham: Bring to tire retailers. Also accepted at the Transfer Station for a small fee. Tires are sent for recycling into asphalt, playground mulch, or fuel.

White Goods / Large Appliances (since 1991)

Why banned: Contain refrigerants (CFCs, HCFCs) and valuable metals.
How to dispose in Eastham: Bring appliances (refrigerators, freezers, washers, dryers, etc.) to the Transfer Station. Staff will direct you to the large appliance area; fees apply. Metals are recycled; refrigerants are captured safely.

Metal, Glass, and Aluminum Containers (since 1992)

Why banned: Easily recyclable and valuable as raw materials.
How to dispose in Eastham:

  • Redeemables (deposit bottles & cans): Place in the redeemable bin at the far end of the recycling area. Proceeds support Eastham Elementary School. Or take to a local store with a redemption counter. See more on this website: Redeemables
  • Other containers: Place in the regular container recycling bins. See more on this website:

Recyclable Paper (since 1994)

Why banned: Paper makes up a large portion of the waste stream and is easily recyclable.
How to dispose in Eastham:

  • Cardboard (corrugated): Flatten and place in the cardboard compactor. (This includes pizza boxes!) Eastham earns revenue when cardboard is recycled. See more on this website: Cardboard
  • Mixed paper: Place cereal boxes, junk mail, magazines, and office paper in the mixed paper container. See more on this website: Mixed paper
  • Newspaper: Place in the newspaper container. See more on this website: Newspaper
  • Napkins and paper towels: Even if soiled with food waste, these can go in the Food Waste Composting!

Single-Polymer Plastic Containers (since 1994)

Why banned: Plastic containers (like #1 PET and #2 HDPE) are highly recyclable.
How to dispose in Eastham: Rinse and place in the plastic container bin at the Transfer Station. Eastham accepts #1-7; black plastic is not recyclable. See more on this website: Plastics

Cathode Ray Tubes (CRTs) (since 2000)

Why banned: Contain high levels of lead and other hazardous materials.
How to dispose in Eastham: Bring to electronics recycling events or retailers (Best Buy, Staples). At the Transfer Station, TVs, monitors, and electronics are collected in the electronics recycling area for a fee. Eastham hosts regular Household Hazardous Waste collection days for additional items.

Construction & Demolition Materials (2006–2011)

Includes: Asphalt, brick, concrete, clean gypsum wallboard, wood, and metal.
Why banned: Heavy and bulky in landfills, but highly recyclable into new building materials.
How to dispose in Eastham: Small amounts can be brought to the Transfer Station. Ask staff where to unload wood, metal, concrete, or brick. For large loads, arrange with a C&D recycling service.

Commercial Food Waste (2014, expanded 2022)

Why banned: Food waste is the largest single component of trash. Diverting it reduces greenhouse gases and produces compost or renewable energy.
How to dispose: Businesses and institutions generating >½ ton/week must use a licensed hauler, a composting service, or anaerobic digesters. For residents, drop food scraps in the green food waste bins near the recycling area (look for the compost station). You can also compost at home. See more on this website: Food Waste

Mattresses (since 2022)

Why banned: Bulky, difficult to compact, and more than 75% recyclable (metal springs, foam, fabric).
How to dispose in Eastham: Bring to the designated mattress collection container at the Transfer Station. There is a statewide recycling program in place; fees apply.

Textiles (since 2022)

Why banned: Over 230,000 tons of textiles end up in Massachusetts trash each year, yet 95% are reusable or recyclable.
How to dispose in Eastham: Donate wearable clothing to thrift shops or nonprofits. Place clothing, linens, and shoes in the Bay State Textiles bins near the Swap Shop. Items don’t need to be wearable — torn or stained textiles are accepted. See more on this website: Textiles

Why It Matters

Waste bans keep valuable materials out of landfills, protect the environment, and support Massachusetts’ goal to reduce disposal by 30% by 2030 and 90% by 2050 (MassDEP 2030 Solid Waste Master Plan).

By knowing what’s banned and where to bring it, you’re helping to keep Massachusetts cleaner, greener, and more sustainable as well as saving Eastham on disposal costs.