Zero Waste Boston
Zero Waste Boston is our initiative to transform Boston into a zero waste city.
Zero waste means reducing, repairing, and reusing the materials in our lives. The Zero Waste Boston initiative strives to move Boston toward zero waste through planning, policy, and community engagement.
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Zero Waste Plan
Boston is becoming a zero waste city. Learn more:
Reducing Waste
Zero Waste Resources for Businesses
Waste reduction toolkits and resources for Boston businesses.
Trash and Recycling Guide
Our guide to trash and recycling in Boston, including pick up times.
Deconstruction Initiative
We're providing technical assistance and pathways for reducing construction and demolition waste.
Zero Waste Toolkit for Residents
Learn about simple ways to reduce waste as a Boston resident.
Reduce and reuse list
Our detailed list of ways to reduce and reuse.
Reducing plastic bags
On December 14, 2018, the City's plastic bag ordinance went into effect.
Plastic bag informationAbout Zero Waste Boston
In 2018, the City of Boston launched the Zero Waste Boston initiative.
The Zero Waste Advisory Committee is recommending strategies to make Boston a zero-waste city. This means Boston will reduce, reuse, recycle, and compost at least 80 to 90 percent of its solid waste. We'll also cut disposal in landfills or incinerators. The recommendations fall under four categories:
- Reduce and reuse
- Recycle more
- Increase composting
- Inspire innovation
The Carbon Free Boston Report assessed the potential carbon impact of the recommendations.
In 2017, Boston’s waste sector emitted an estimated 393 kilotons of carbon. Most of those emissions came from waste incineration. Boston businesses and institutions generate four-fifths of municipal solid waste. Municipal solid waste includes everything that Boston businesses and residents throw away.
Carbon free boston waste RESULTSA 90 percent diversion rate would reduce waste emissions by 78 percent relative to 2017 emissions. Disposal of the last 10 percent of solid waste generates most of the remaining emissions. The rest are from composting and collection services. The report assumed that:
- generating waste increases with economic and population growth, and
- people will divert 80 percent more waste to recycling and composting by 2030.
Zero Waste Advisory Committee
CommitteeA technical study was commissioned of Boston’s waste management. The study produced recommendations for moving forward. The committee is jointly headed by the Chief of Streets and the Chief of Environment.
- the community
- businesses
- advocacy groups, and
- industry.
- Meeting #4 Slides
- Comparison of Original and Revised Boston Zero Waste Initiatives
- Zero Waste Recommendations (DRAFT)
- Outreach Case Studies (PowerPoint)
- Outreach Case Studies (Document)
- Supporting Document to Boston's Solid Waste Data and Waste Reduction and Diversion Opportunity Assessment
- Facebook Live Stream
- Economic Development Approaches
Public Works
Public Works operates all recycling and waste programs in the City. They ensure that our streets, sidewalks, and bridges are safe and clean.
Learn about Public Works
Who's Involved:
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Zero Waste Plan
Boston is becoming a zero waste city. Learn more:
