Solid Waste Collection Program for Non-Profits

Solid Waste Collection Program for Non-Profits in the City of Newton

In October 2009, Newton converted its trash and recycling collection system to an automated collection system. A new policy to include non-profits was recommended by the Solid Waste Commission and has since been accepted and adopted by the Mayor and the Board of Aldermen.

City Ordinance Section 11-6 now allows religious and charitable organizations to participate in City solid waste collection program for a fee. Any small non-profit in this category may apply for this service, and each property address is limited to 4 sets of carts.

Each blue trash cart = $200/year
Each green recycling cart = $150/year
Total for 1 set of carts = $350/year

Fees must be paid in advance for the entire year and the year runs from November 1st to October 31st. Requests to join the non-profit solid waste program outside of the annual program timeline might be subject to a waiting period. Failure to keep the annual fee current will result in removal of the carts.

The fee reflects the collection, transport and disposal of the solid waste placed into the carts. This service is similar to a residential service with a blue cart for trash collection and a green cart for recycling collection, collected weekly on the neighborhood’s collection day. The non-profit program does not include yard waste collections or bulky waste collections.

If you currently have a contract for waste disposal at your property, we recommend speaking with your current hauler to see if they can also handle your recycling needs. It is beneficial to have only one contract with the same timeframes than managing multiple contracts and haulers. All haulers are subject to MA Department of Environmental Waste Bans, which prohibit the disposal of recyclable materials. Furthermore, all haulers who operate in the City of Newton are required to offer recycling services (Section 11-5). Please contact the City of Newton Heath and Human Services Department at (617) 796-1420 to find out if your hauler is licensed or check the list here.

The non-profits participating in this service are required to abide by ordinances related to trash and recycling collection by residents in Newton.

For more information, please contact Environmental Affairs at (617)796-1471. Applications are available at City Hall Customer Service, Rm 105.