Mandatory Recycling Regulations

FAQs for Falmouth Residents, Guests, and Visitors - March 2023

Falmouth Town Meeting (04.04.22) authorized the Board of Health to implement a mandatory program for recycling certain waste materials in the town. The regulations were drafted jointly by the Falmouth Board of Health and Solid Waste Advisory Committee members, and after over a year of development and several public comment sessions, they were approved by the State Attorney General and adopted by the Board of Health on December 19, 2022. Implementation date is April 14, 2023.

Falmouth’s Mandatory Recycling Regulations may be viewed or downloaded here: https://www.falmouthma.gov/DocumentCenter/View/13940/Rules--Regulations-for-Mandatory-Recycling-and-for-Permitting-and-Operation-of-Municipal-and-Commerical-Solid-WasteRecycling-Collection?bidId=

Why does Falmouth need “Mandatory Recycling”?  This Mandatory Recycling Regulation reinforces compliance with, and gives Falmouth officials authority to enforce, the state “Waste Bans” at the local level.

What are Waste Bans?  Massachusetts bans many hazardous and recyclable materials from disposal in landfills or by incineration. The Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) introduced the first bans in 1990. Additional waste bans are phased in over time, along with the infrastructure to support recycling. See MA DEP 310 CMR 19.017 for more information. https://www.mass.gov/doc/fact-sheet-what-are-the-massachusetts-waste-bans/download

Do I have to follow the Mandatory Recycling Regulations? Yes. Everyone that lives, works, or plays in Falmouth is subject to these regulations, including every property owner, renter, or occupant of every dwelling unit in town. NOTE: Organizers of special events of all sizes are also subject to these regulations.

Why do I need to recycle? Recycling helps our community reduce the amount of material disposed of in the Town of Bourne landfill, saving very limited and valuable landfill space for materials that cannot be recycled. Recycling also supports the recycling economy and allows for the reuse of materials.

Is someone going to inspect my trash can every week? No, but Falmouth’s curbside trash and recycling contractor instructs its staff to observe the materials left in both the trash and recycling containers. Drivers are authorized to reject trash containers if they see a large amount of recyclable materials inside, the same way they will reject recycling carts containing trash or contaminants.

Town officials or their designees may also survey trash and recycling receptacles to assess participation and compliance with town waste reduction programs.

How can I recycle if I live in an apartment and my landlord doesn’t provide recycling containers?Starting April 14, 2023, all multi-family property owners will be required to either contract for recycling collection or self-haul to a transfer station or recycling facility.

I live in an apartment in a commercial building - why can’t I just put my recyclables at the curb for municipal pick-up? Apartments in commercial buildings are not eligible for municipal curbside service for trash or recycling. The property owner is responsible for contracting trash and recycling collection service. Municipal recycling carts are intended for use by “curbside eligible” residences only.

Can I take my recycling to the Falmouth Waste Management Facility myself? Yes, residents or property owners may haul their own recyclable materials to Falmouth’s Waste Management Facility (WMF) at 458 Thomas Landers Road. Recycling at the WMF will require purchase (in advance) of an annual sticker or a one-time one-day pass and incur a fee at the gate.

Please see the town website for current WMF fee information and hours of operation: https://www.falmouthma.gov/170/Waste-Management

NOTE: Building owners will need to file a RECYCLING SERVICE EXEMPTION FORM FOR COMMERCIAL GENERATORS with the Health Department to show that they are following the new regulations. Download form here: https://www.falmouthma.gov/1400/Mandatory-Recycling-Regulations

What materials are considered “Curbside” recyclable? Curbside recyclables include the following clean, dry, and loose (do not bag) materials:

• Recyclable paper, cardboard, and paperboard (including pizza boxes); shredded paper is not accepted

• Glass and metal containers

• Plastic containers in all colors except black (i.e., drink bottles, consumer containers, etc.)

What about Clothing, Textiles, Mattresses, etc.? Several types of materials are banned from your trash but are not accepted in your curbside recycling cart. Refer to the Town web pages (below) to find drop-off locations for recycling of these items.

Where can I learn more about how and where to recycle?

Curbside Recycling- https://www.falmouthma.gov/968/Curbside-Trash-Recycling

Bulky Materials- https://www.falmouthma.gov/1254/Bulky-Hard-To-Recycle-Materials

Textiles- https://www.falmouthma.gov/1253/Textile-Recycling

Food- https://www.falmouthma.gov/1274/Food-Scrap-Composting

Waste Oil, Batteries, Fluorescent Bulbs, etc. – https://www.falmouthma.gov/172/Fees-for-Special-Items

Contact Recycling & Solid Waste Coordinator Mary Ryther at mary.ryther@falmouthma.gov