Zero Waste resources for businesses
The toolkits and resources provided below can help your business or institution reduce solid waste.
The Zero Waste Boston initiative strives to divert 80 percent of Boston’s waste stream from landfills and incinerators by 2035. Currently, businesses and institutions create four-fifths of the City’s waste. By taking steps to reduce this waste, you can help the City achieve its goal and save your business money.
We created the toolkits below with RecyclingWorks in Massachusetts, a free recycling assistance program for businesses and institutions looking to recycle and reduce their waste. RecyclingWorks is funded by the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection.
Toolkits by business type
Office building
Learn how to reduce waste at your office building.
Food vendor
Reduce waste as a food vendor, grocer, or restaurant.
Retailer or manufacturer
Find out how to reduce waste as a retailer, manufacturer, or warehouse.
School or hospital
Learn how to reduce waste as a school, hospital or other institution.
Toolkits by waste
Single stream recyclables
Tips for reducing papers, plastics, and metals.
Food waste
Learn how to reduce and reuse food waste.
Electronic waste
Learn what to do with your e-waste.
Hazardous waste
Find out how to get rid of hazardous materials.
Construction debris
Green ways to remove structure debris.
Appliances and furniture
Find out how to get rid of large items.
RecyclingWorks case studies
RecyclingWorks case studiesThe chain was able to save thousands by improving their food and plastic waste management.
State Street cut down its overall waste generation and diverted a greater portion of it to recycling and compost.
Wyman’s Liquors saved $7,000 annually by recycling its cardboard.
Saloomey Construction diverted more than 90 percent of construction and demolition materials from disposal at The Columns...