Zero Waste

zero_waste_web_1-400x300At the 2022 Town Meeting, Lexington adopted a Zero Waste Resolution. The resolution is a commitment to reduce waste, conserve natural resources, and support environmental justice in order to address the Town's declared climate emergency. The resolution calls for adopting and modeling the Guiding Principles of Zero Waste and to develop a Zero Waste Plan. Explore this page for actions you can take to support this effort.


Recycling

Lexington's Environmental Services Department has extensive information about how to recycle just about anything. Still not sure how to get rid of something? Check out the "How Can I Get Rid of..." page or search the Recyclopedia tool below.

Composting

Composting is an effective way to divert waste from the landfill, reducing unnecessary greenhouse gas emissions. It also creates nutrient-rich compost to our soils that helps sequester more carbon and reduces the need for chemical fertilizers. Learn more about composting at home at  Mass.gov. 

Food Waste

By composting food waste, Lexington can reduce the tonnage of waste it incinerates each year by about a third. There are three primary options to compost food waste in Lexington:

  1. Curbside pick up. There are several companies that provide curbside collection of kitchen waste. The Town will provide you with a free covered collection bin if you bring your invoice from a curbside collection company to DPW Operations at the Public Service Building (201 Bedford St.). If you sign up for Black Earth Compost through a referral, you get $5 of your invoice and the referring customer gets a $5 credit. Non-profits like PTAs, churches, and LexZeroWaste can also receive $5 for referring a new customer.
  2. Drop off. LexZeroWaste has partnered with the Town of Lexington to launch LexSORT (Lexington Shared Organics Recovered Together) on a community composting drop-off pilot initiative that started in September 2021. After registering online, residents can drop off household food waste at the following locations:
    • Carriage House @ Lexington Community Center (39 Marrett Rd.)
    • Public Service Building (201 Bedford St.)

Visit LexZeroWaste's website for details and to register. It's free and easy!

  1. At home. You can compost your own food and yard waste at home with a backyard bin, which are available at a discount rate of $25 through the Town. Visit DPW Operations at the Public Service Building (201 Bedford St.) to purchase the bin. Pick it up at the Hartwell Composting Facility (60 Hartwell Ave.). Call 781-274-8300 with questions. 

Yard Waste

Just like with food waste, composting yard waste is an effective method to divert waste from the incinerator and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. There are three ways you can compost your leaves and yard waste in Lexington:

  1. Put them out for curbside collection
  2. Take them to the Hartwell Composting Facility
  3. Compost them yourself at home

See the DPW's Leaves, Yard Waste & Composting page for details.

Other Waste Reduction Strategies

Donate, Don't Dispose

These organizations would love to get your gently-used, no-longer-needed items. 

Hazardous Waste Disposal Events

The Department of Public Works hosts Household Hazardous Waste collection events throughout the year. Visit the Hazardous Waste web page for details.

Paper Shredding

The Department of Public Works also holds paper shredding events throughout the year so you can safely dispose of documents with sensitive information. Visit the Paper Shredding web page for details.