40 Everyday Items That Are Illegal To Trash In MA

As Massachusetts and the world tries to handle its waste in a more responsible manner, the rules they are a changing. Certain batteries can safely be thrown in the trash and some can not, for instance.

Nearly a year and a half ago, Massachusetts made some changes to its trash and recycling rules. Landfills are filling up and it's time to make better use of what goes in the incinerator and what get reused recycled.

Clothes!

Alternative options exist as well. You can always bag up your clothes and head off to your local Goodwill store and donate them. What you can't do though, is chuck 'em in the trash, not anymore anyway.

40 Things That Are Illegal To Toss In The Trash In Massachusetts

For waste disposal ban purposes, textiles are defined as bedding, clothing, curtains, fabric, footwear, towels, and similar items. 

Virtually any textile can be reused, repurposed, or recycled if clean and dry. Even worn, torn, and stained items have recovery value. -mass.gov

Textiles include the following:

• Comforter

• Sheets
• Pillow cases
• Blankets
• Belts
• Boots
• Bras
• Coats

• Curtains
• Flip Flops
• Halloween costumes
• Hats

• Jackets
• Jeans
• Jerseys
• Napkins
• Pajamas
• Pants
• Pillows

• Purses
• Scarves
• Shirts
• Shoes

• Shorts
• Skirts
• Slippers
• Socks
• Stuffed animals

• Suits
• Sweaters
• Sweatpants
• Sweatshirts

• Table linens
• Ties
• Towels
• Tee Shirts
• Undergarments

All of the above items can be recycled, but cannot be thrown away.