- Home
- Town Departments
- Departments M - Q
- Public Works
- Divisions
- Recycling & Solid Waste Division
Recycling & Solid Waste Division
***RTS Events***
The RTS will be closed for Veterans Day, Tuesday Nov 11th
Leaf Sundays run through November 10am-4pm, leaves only, residents only (no contractors)
Five Sundays: Nov 2, Nov 9, Nov 16, Nov 23, Nov 30
****
****Batteries must be removed from all scooters, tools, toys & devices before being placed in the scrap metal pile.
These batteries can cause fires.
_________________________________
Only residents or commercial entities whose vehicles have an up-to-date sticker affixed to their vehicle window may enter the Recycle Transfer Station.
Waste Ban Reminder: Clothing, textiles, and mattresses are prohibited from trash disposal. Please recycle these items instead.
Mattresses: Accepted for recycling at the RTS
Clothing/Textiles: Donate or bring clean/dry items for textile recycling
Click HERE for information about the Waste Ban
Residents
The current (gray) resident sticker does not need to be renewed annually. New residents can receive a sticker for the Recycle Transfer Station from the Treasurer's Office in Town Hall - 1471 Highland Avenue.
Commercial Entities
2025-2026 Commercial stickers are available at the Recycle Transfer Station. View an application and current rates. ***Please note: commercial mattresses are now $40***
***New rates go into effect at the RTS truck scale starting July 1, 2024*** The new rate is $220/ton with a minimum charge of $30. These rate adjustments will align Needham's scale fees with those of neighboring Towns and reflect the rising trash costs throughout Massachusetts and southern New England.
- RTS Alerts
- Overview
- Recycling & Safe Disposal
- Yellow Trash Bags
- Bulky Waste & Clean-Outs
- What We Take
- Paint Collection Days
Other RTS Updates
New food waste program at RTS - Click here for details
****Batteries must be removed from all scooters, tools, toys & devices before being placed in the scrap metal pile. These batteries can cause fires.
Important information to know before visiting the Needham Recycling and Transfer Station:
• Household trash must be disposed of in a yellow "pay-as-you-throw" bag.
• The RTS no longer offers a Goodwill Trailer. Book and textile recycling is available on site.
RTS Hours
Tues-Thurs 7am-4pm Friday 7am-12noon Saturday 7am-4pm
Residential RTS stickers are now issued at no charge to Needham residents. Your current grey RTS sticker does not need to be renewed. View additional sticker applications or commercial hauler rates.
The Town of Needham provides residents with recycling and waste disposal services at the town’s transfer station, referred to as the RTS (Recycling and Transfer Station) or more affectionately "The Dump." The RTS is a residential drop-off facility with a two-tier pay-per-throw program. To use the RTS residents must display a current sticker and also purchase special bags for their non-recyclable trash. The bag fees help to cover the costs for operating the RTS. There is no fee for most recycling, so residents save money by recycling more and throwing away less.
Needham residents who have a current sticker may bring many recyclable items to the RTS for recycling or safe disposal. The more you recycle the more your save! Most of the items are accepted at no additional cost, a few have additional fees. View details.
Residents must purchase special Yellow Trash bags to dispose of their non-recyclable trash at the RTS. Bags come in large (30-gallon) and small (15-gallon) sizes and are available at a variety of local stores. For details click here.
Bulky waste may be disposed of at the transfer station for a fee, larger quantities and clean-outs for $220 per ton. Payment at the RTS scale house is by check or credit card only. Payments can also be mailed or brought to Town Hall where cash, checks and credit cards are accepted. Check-in with the office attendant for details.
See brief summary. View details and how to properly prepare materials. View a map of the RTS.
MAIN DROP-OFF AREA
- Mixed Paper
- Corrugated Cardboard Boxes
- Glass, Metal & Plastic Household Product Containers
- Non-Recyclable Trash - (Require Yellow PAY bags)
ORGANICS PROCESSING AREA
- Leaves & Grass
- Brush & Branches
BULKY ITEMS & CLEAN-OUTS
- Furniture, etc.
- Clean-outs, etc.
RE-USE-IT SWAP SHOP
- Bring items you no longer want or need; take away items you can use. Everything is free. All items must be in good working condition.
- No drop-off of items after 3 p.m.
ADDITIONAL ITEMS FOR REUSE, RECYCLING & SAFE DISPOSAL
- Appliances and Freon Items*
- Automobile Batteries
- Automotive Fluids
- Batteries - Rechargeable and Button Batteries
- Books
- Cell Phones
- Clothing and other Textiles - in any condition
- Computer Monitors (CRTs)*
- Deposit Bottles / Cans - Carbonated Beverage Containers
- Electronics
- Fluorescent Lamps (all sizes)
- Household Items for donation (small)
- Medical Sharps
- Mercury Containing Devices
- Paint - Third Saturday of the month April to October
- Plastic - Large rigid plastic items
- Printer Cartridges - bring to office supply store - check store web site for details
- Propane Tanks*
- Scrap Metal
- Tires*
- TVs*
Contact Us
-
Matthew DeMarrais
Superintendent Recycling and Solid Waste Division
Justin MacGregor
Assistant Superintendent Recycling and Solid Waste Division
Recycling Transfer Station (RTS)
1421 Central Avenue
Needham, MA 02492
Phone: 781-455-7568RTS Hours
CLOSED ON SUNDAY & MONDAY
Tuesday: 7:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Wednesday: 7:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Thursday: 7:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Friday: 7:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Saturday: 7:00 AM - 4:00 PMRe-Use-It Swap Shop Hours
CLOSED ON SUNDAY & MONDAY
Tuesday: 7:30 AM - 3:00 PM
Wednesday: 7:30 AM - 3:00 PM
Thursday: 7:30 AM - 3:00 PM
Friday: 7:30 AM - 12:00 PM
Saturday: 7:30 AM - 4:00 PM
No drop-offs Saturday after 3:00 PMThe Swap Shop is closed on Saturday Paint Days.