Environment (Waste Management) in Massachusetts

passed · Massachusetts · House Feb 26, 2026

H 955: An Act relative to solid waste byproduct management and control

By Representatives Giannino of Revere and Turco of Winthrop, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 955) of Jessica Ann Giannino relative to solid waste byproduct management and control. Environment and Natural Resources.

Topics ✓ Environment

Sub-Topics Recycling Waste Management

passed · Massachusetts · Senate Nov 13, 2025

S 621: An Act to reduce solid waste, increase recycling and generate municipal cost savings

By Mr. Lewis, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 621) of Jason M. Lewis for legislation to reduce solid waste, increase recycling and generate municipal cost savings. Environment and Natural Resources.

Topics ✓ Environment

Sub-Topics Recycling Waste Management

passed · Massachusetts · House Feb 26, 2026

H 960: An Act relative to requiring the sealing of containers transporting solid waste

By Representative González of Springfield, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 960) of Carlos González relative to requiring the sealing of containers transporting solid waste. Environment and Natural Resources.

Topics ✓ Environment

Sub-Topics Waste Management

introduced · Massachusetts · House

HD 1884: An Act prohibiting the use and sale of toxic sludge

This bill prohibits applying or spreading sludge-derived products (like certain composts, fertilizers, or soil amendments) on land in Massachusetts, and bans their sale or distribution within the state. It directly affects businesses selling agricultural products and farmers using such materials, targeting items made from wastewater treatment sludge or septage. Key exemptions include compost from food waste, agricultural byproducts (like spent grain), and specific materials like precipitated calcium carbonate. The law applies statewide and allows landfill disposal of prohibited materials but restricts their agricultural use or commercial distribution.

Topics ✓ Environment

Sub-Topics Waste Management

introduced · Massachusetts · House

HD 4260: An Act regarding the reform of Class 2 regulations

HD 4260 requires Massachusetts retail electric suppliers to provide at least 34.75% of their electricity sales from designated "Class II" renewable sources starting January 1, 2009. It directly affects all retail electric suppliers serving customers in Massachusetts. Key provisions define Class II sources (including solar, wind, existing hydro under strict limits, landfill gas, and specific biofuels), mandate that 34.75% of revenue from renewable energy certificates must fund approved recycling programs, and impose specific restrictions on hydroelectric facilities (e.g., no new dams, max 7.5 MW, existing facilities only). The bill aims to increase renewable energy usage through these specific sourcing requirements and funding mechanisms.

Topics ✓ Energy ✓ Environment

Sub-Topics Hydroelectric Renewable Energy Solar Recycling Waste Management

passed · Massachusetts · House Feb 27, 2025

HD 3625: An Act relative to solid waste byproduct management and control

By Representatives Giannino of Revere and Turco of Winthrop, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 955) of Jessica Ann Giannino relative to solid waste byproduct management and control. Environment and Natural Resources.

Topics ✓ Environment

Sub-Topics Recycling Waste Management

introduced · Massachusetts · Senate

SD 1255: Resolve providing for an investigation and study by a special commission relative to mattress recycling

This bill establishes a special commission to study how municipalities in Massachusetts handle discarded mattresses, bed foundations, and box springs. The commission will examine the financial and environmental costs of current disposal methods, evaluate recycling options, review successful programs from other states, and assess opportunities for partnerships with recycling nonprofits. Composed of environmental officials, legislators, waste management experts, and industry representatives, the group must file a report with lawmakers by November 2025 containing recommendations for potential policy changes. The bill itself does not enact new laws but sets up a study to inform future legislation on mattress recycling.

Topics ✓ Environment

Sub-Topics Recycling Waste Management

introduced · Massachusetts · Senate

SD 2366: An Act promoting responsible end-of-life management for electric and hybrid vehicle batteries

SD 2366 prohibits landfill disposal of electric/hybrid vehicle batteries and requires responsible end-of-life management. Battery providers (manufacturers/sellers) must manage batteries through reuse, repurposing, or recycling - prioritizing reuse before recycling - and coordinate with specialized recyclers. Secondary handlers (like recyclers) and providers must submit annual reports tracking battery volumes, recycling rates, and recovery of key materials (lithium, cobalt, nickel, etc.). The law directly affects battery manufacturers, sellers, recyclers, and vehicle owners, establishing a clear management hierarchy and reporting requirements to ensure proper handling.

Topics ✓ Energy ✓ Environment

Sub-Topics Energy Storage Recycling Waste Management

introduced · Massachusetts · House

HD 2637: An Act to establish a mattress recycling program in the Commonwealth

HD 2637 establishes a mandatory mattress recycling program in the Commonwealth. It requires mattress producers (manufacturers/importers) and retailers to register with a designated stewardship organization, which will manage the program. Retailers must collect a stewardship fee at point of sale to fund environmentally sound recycling, reuse, or renovation of discarded mattresses, and provide consumers with disposal information. The program applies to standard mattresses (excluding cribs, water beds, and mattress pads) and aims to reduce landfill waste through a fee-funded system.

Topics ✓ Environment

Sub-Topics Recycling Waste Management

introduced · Massachusetts · Senate

SD 494: Resolve providing for an investigation and study of enhancing statewide recycling programs

SD 494 directs Massachusetts' Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs to study ways to improve statewide recycling programs and waste management. The study will examine fiscal impacts, barriers, technologies, infrastructure needs, and specifically assess expanding curbside/multi-unit recycling, public space recycling, composting, and a potential single-stream pilot program. It also requires analyzing whether a data-based sunset provision for the bottle deposit law (repealing it when recycling rates for covered and non-covered materials equalize) is feasible. The office must report findings and proposed legislation to relevant committees by December 31, 2025.

Topics ✓ Environment

Sub-Topics Recycling Waste Management

All environment bills