Town of Ludlow Shares Information on MassDEP’s New Waste Ban Regulations

Regulations Take Effect Tuesday, Nov. 1 

LUDLOW — The Ludlow Department of Public Works wishes to share information on the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection’s (MassDEP) new waste ban regulations, which take effect next month. 

MassDEP’s 2030 Solid Waste Master Plan established an objective to reduce disposal statewide by 30 percent over the next decade. In an effort to reach this goal, MassDEP has established new rules requiring that mattresses and textiles be kept out of the trash so they can be recycled or donated for reuse, effective Tuesday, Nov. 1.

According to MassDEP, approximately 300,000 mattresses and box springs are disposed of each year in the state. About 85% of this mattress material can be recycled. Approximately 23,000 tons of textiles are disposed of each year. About 95% of this material can be reused or repurposed.

Community members are reminded that mattresses and textiles cannot be recycled through household recycling bins. They must be given to organizations that specialize in reselling them second-hand or repurposing them for other uses. Mattresses and textiles should only go in the trash if they are wet, moldy or contaminated. 

Ways to Recycle Mattresses and Box Springs

Clean mattresses and box springs must be recycled or donated for reuse.

• Residents can drop off unwanted mattresses and box springs at the DPW’s transfer station, 198 Sportsmens Road, for $65 per item. 
• Residents may search MassDEP’s Beyond the Bin recycling directory for organizations near them that accept mattresses for donation and reuse.

Ways to Recycle Textiles

All clean clothing, footwear, bedding, towels, curtains, fabric, or similar products must be recycled or donated for reuse.

• Residents can drop off unwanted textiles for free at the recycling/donation box at the transfer station. 
• To find other textile recovery organizations, please visit the state’s website here or here. 

For more information on the upcoming waste bans, please click here.

###