New Business Program begins July 1

Carts will be required for all commercial customers.

Sign up by downloading this form and sending to Amanda at Waste Management: amalino1@wm.com

The Town is moving to an automated collection system, read more about the new program here.

Beginning July 1, all commercial small business customers will be required to have their trash and recycling in approved carts, supplied by the new hauler WM. The carts will be emptied by automatic arms, so must also be placed at the curb thoughtfully so as not to be blocked by cars, as best you can.

This is a big change for residents and businesses alike. As a dense community with little extra space anywhere, getting used to this new waste management systems will be challenging.

If WM does not have your business listed as already registered as part of the Town's program, you will be referred back to the DPW Recycling Coordinator to register as a first step.

Price Structure

65 Gallon Trash Cart $225 annually
95 Gallon Trash Cart $300 annually
65 Gallon Recycling Cart $145 annually
95 Gallon Recycling Cart $165 annually
Orange bags for occasional overflow $3 per bag, sold in rolls of 10 for $30.

All recycling must fit inside a recycling cart, so please lease the cart that will fit all of your cardboard.

Recycling is state law as well as mandatory in Arlington, so a recycling cart will be required to be leased alongside a trash cart. There is no option to lease just a trash cart. There is, however, the option to lease just a recycling cart for businesses that produce very little trash such that they can transport it home with them.

Orange overflow bags may be used in addition to a cart, not instead of, and are intended for occasional excess trash. Piles of orange bags weekly will result in a visit by the curbside compliance officer.

One goal of the shift to an automated cart system is to get all of Arlington's trash and recycling contained from wind and animals.

Thank you for your attention to these program changes, and please contact DPW via email if you have questions: recycle@town.arlington.ma.us 

Arlington's Commercial Program using Carts

• Trash and recycling carts may be leased directly from WM at rates that the Town has secured for such purposes through their 2025-2030 hauling contract with WM
• All trash and recycling must be inside the carts, with the lid closed
• Carts can be put out at the curb between 6-7 AM on the day of your collection
• Recycling collection is mandatory, there is no option to pay for just trash collection
• Register with Department of Public Works (call 781-316-3108) to become a part of the program
• Not all businesses will qualify
• Once registered, businesses may lease trash and recycling carts through WM
• Refer to Massachusetts Waste Disposal Ban laws for prohibited trash items

Why Recycle?

First, it's state law, read more

Keeping recyclable materials out of the trash is required of all residents and businesses, per state and local laws. Therefore, at this time there is no charge for recycling when it is placed, correctly, with commercial orange bags. Use a blue reusable container to hold your recycling, and help prevent litter in our community by using a larger enough container to hold your recycling on windy days.

Printable Business Recycling Guide

Many customers in Arlington value environmentally friendly businesses, who practice recycling or composting. Becoming a businesses that recycles could generate loyalty and boost your sales. Also, it's easy, good for our planet, and could save you money in trash fees. 

Illustration by Gail McCormick

Federal and State Holidays

Trash and recycling will be delayed by one day on the following holidays: New Year's Day, Memorial Day, Independent's Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day, and Christmas Day.

Resources

• Private Haulers for Recycling and Trash- businesses that are permitted to work within our town by the Health Department
• Business Program Registration- Call Recycling Coordinator Charlotte Milan to find out if your business is eligible for this program, 781-316-3108
• Recycling Guide for Business in Arlington- produced by Nami Yamaguchi, Arlington High School
• Arlington is served by the Northeast region of the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP).
• Massachusetts' RecyclingWorks is a great resource for selling, buying, and trading useful materials
• Business and Institutional Furniture and Office Equipment Reuse Guidance

Rules & Regulations

Massachusetts Waste Disposal Ban
The following items are prohibited from disposal and/or transfer for disposal in Massachusetts:

• Asphalt pavement, brick, and concrete
• Cathode ray tubes
• Clean gypsum wallboard
• Ferrous and non-ferrous metals
• Glass and metal containers 
• Lead acid batteries
• Recyclable paper, cardboard and paperboard 
• Single resin narrow-necked plastics
• Treated and untreated wood and wood waste
• White goods (large appliances)
• Whole tires (some)

310 CMR 19.017: Waste Disposal Ban Regulation
MassDEP Waste and Recycling Laws & Rules:
Includes brochures, guides, a matrix of all laws and regulations in tabular form
Regulations for solid and toxic waste, water disposal bans, Federal & State laws

More about Economic Development in Arlington