Proud Recycle Smart partner
Recycling the right way, together
Waste Universe is partnering with the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection's Recycle Smart program to help the communities we serve recycle better and keep more valuable material out of landfills.
What is Recycle Smart?
Recycle Smart is a statewide initiative from MassDEP that gives residents and businesses clear, simple guidance on what belongs in the recycling bin and what doesn't. When everyone follows the same rules, recycling becomes cleaner, more efficient, and far more effective.
As a partner, we bring that guidance straight to our customers, curb by curb and business by business, so every pickup makes a real difference.
Visit RecycleSmartMA.orgThe Recycle Smart basics
- Keep recyclables empty, clean, and dry.
- Place items loose in the bin, never in bags.
- When in doubt, check the Recycle Smart guide before tossing.
How our recycling initiatives help the environment
Recycling is at the heart of how we operate. Our efforts add up to a meaningful impact for Massachusetts and Rhode Island.
More material recovered
Every route we run is built to keep recyclables moving toward recovery facilities instead of landfills, giving paper, cardboard, metal, and plastic a second life.
Cleaner recycling streams
By helping customers recycle the right items the right way, we cut down on contamination so more of what goes in the bin actually gets recycled.
Smarter, efficient routes
Thoughtful route planning means fewer wasted miles, less fuel, and a lighter footprint across the communities we serve.
Community education
We share Recycle Smart guidance with homes and businesses so good recycling habits spread from one neighbor to the next.
Do Your Part, Recycle Smart!
Know what goes in the bin
Recycle these
- Clean paper, mail, and newspaper
- Flattened cardboard boxes
- Plastic bottles, jugs, and tubs
- Metal food and beverage cans
- Glass bottles and jars
Keep these out
- Batteries
- Food scraps and liquids
- Tangled items like hoses and cords
- Clothing and textiles
- Bagged recyclables