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What Can You Recycle in New Bedford? (2026 Full Guide)
New Bedford Recycling Rules (2026 Summary)
- Recycling is mandatory for all residents
- Blue cart accepts bottles, cans, paper, and cardboard
- Plastic bags, food waste, and electronics are NOT allowed
- The Recycling Center accepts bulk and special materials
- Several items are banned from trash under Massachusetts law
What can you recycle in New Bedford?
In New Bedford, you can recycle bottles, cans, paper, cardboard, cartons, and plastic containers in the blue cart. Items like plastic bags, electronics, scrap metal, and food waste must be taken to the Recycling Center or other designated drop-off locations.
What Goes in the Blue Recycling Cart in New Bedford?
✅ Accepted in Blue Cart
- Plastic bottles, jugs, tubs
- Aluminum and steel cans
- Paper (mail, newspaper, office paper)
- Cardboard and paperboard
- Magazines and catalogs
- Milk and juice cartons
- Glass bottles and jars (clean)
❌ NOT Accepted in Blue Cart
- Plastic bags and film plastic
- Black plastic containers
- Food waste or dirty containers
- Styrofoam or foam packaging
- Scrap metal
- Clothing and textiles
- Electronics and batteries
Common Recycling Mistakes in New Bedford
- Bagging recyclables (must be loose)
- Putting food-contaminated items in the cart
- Throwing scrap metal into recycling
- Including plastic bags
⚠️ Plastic Bags — A Common Mistake
Never put plastic bags in your blue cart. They tangle in sorting equipment at the processing facility, cause shutdowns, and create dangerous conditions for workers. Instead, bring plastic bags back to any grocery store — most have a film plastic drop-off bin near the entrance. Hannaford on Hathaway Road and Market Basket on Hicks Street both accept them.
Where to Recycle Items Not Allowed in the Blue Cart
Recycling Center Location
1103 Shawmut Ave, New Bedford
What You Can Drop Off
- Electronics (TVs, laptops, monitors)
- Appliances and white goods
- Scrap metal (grills, bikes, frames)
- Motor oil, antifreeze, batteries
- Textiles and clothing
- Styrofoam blocks
- Books and media
- Food waste (unpackaged, bones, coffee grounds, seafood shells)
- Brush (max 4″ diameter)
- Bulky rigid plastics (storage bins, large containers)
- Fire extinguishers
Important Rules
- Proof of residency required
- Residents only (no commercial loads)
- Loads are inspected
Recycling Center Hours — 1103 Shawmut Ave
Monday : 11:00am – 4:00pm
Tuesday : Closed
Wednesday : 11:00am – 4:00pm
Thursday : Closed
Friday : 11:00am – 4:00pm
Saturday : 7:30am – 3:00pm
What Cannot Be Thrown Away in Massachusetts
Certain materials are banned from disposal statewide:
- Paper, cardboard, bottles, cans
- Mattresses and box springs
- Yard waste (leaves, grass)
- Electronics (TVs, monitors)
- Textiles
- Styrofoam blocks
- Books and media
- Food waste
Violating these rules can result in rejected trash pickup or city notices.
Where to Recycle Common Problem Items
Plastic Bags
Return to stores like Hannaford or Market Basket.
Electronics
Drop off at the Recycling Center or retailers like Best Buy.
Motor Oil & Batteries
Accepted at auto stores like AutoZone.
Paint
- Latex: dry and dispose in trash
- Oil-based: Hazardous Waste Day only
What the Recycling Center Does NOT Accept
- Construction debris
- Drywall and lumber
- Bulk furniture
- Tires
- Hazardous chemicals
- Contractor waste
Need Help With Items the City Won’t Take?
If you’re dealing with furniture, construction debris, or full property cleanouts, the city won’t handle it—and you’ll be stuck making multiple trips.
We remove everything in one visit across New Bedford—including items the Recycling Center refuses.
👉 Same-day service available
👉 Upfront pricing
👉 No sorting required
Frequently Asked Questions
STUFF THE RECYCLING CENTER WON’T TAKE?
Construction debris, mixed junk, mattresses, furniture — we handle what the city programs can’t. Same-day available across New Bedford.
