Shrewsbury Junk Removal Services

Understanding Shrewsbury’s Waste Management Infrastructure & Municipal Disposal Requirements

Shrewsbury’s solid waste management is coordinated by the Department of Public Works (DPW), which oversees curbside collection, bulk waste pickup, and the operation of the Shrewsbury Municipal Transfer Station at 211 South Street. Residents can access the transfer station Tuesday through Saturday, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM, for disposal of household waste, recyclables, and select bulky items. Tipping fees for mixed waste are $75 per ton, while clean wood is accepted at $45 per ton. The DPW organizes special collection events, such as annual household hazardous waste days and periodic electronics recycling drives. For up-to-date schedules and accepted materials, visit the Shrewsbury DPW Solid Waste page.

Department of Public Works
100 Maple Avenue, Shrewsbury, MA 01545
Phone: (508) 841-8502
Official Website: Department of Public Works

• Curbside trash and recycling collected weekly
• Bulk waste pickup available by appointment; fees apply
• Transfer station accepts appliances, mattresses, and yard waste

What Neighborhoods Do We Serve Throughout Shrewsbury, MA?

Edgemere: This lakeside neighborhood features a mix of older homes and new developments. Narrow streets and limited parking require careful coordination for large item pickups.

North Shrewsbury: Suburban area with wide driveways and detached garages, ideal for appliance and furniture removal. Seasonal yard waste is common in spring and fall.

Lake Quinsigamond: Waterfront properties often face access challenges due to steep driveways and limited curb space. Floodplain regulations may affect debris removal after storms.

Shrewsbury Center: The historic core includes multi-unit buildings and commercial properties. Dumpster placement may require right-of-way permits and coordination with local businesses.

Floral Street Area: Family-oriented neighborhood with newer homes and active HOAs. Bulk waste pickups are frequent during move-in and move-out periods.

South Shrewsbury: Rural and semi-rural properties generate higher volumes of yard debris and construction waste, especially during home renovations.

Partnering with Shrewsbury’s Environmental & Recycling Initiatives

Shrewsbury supports robust recycling and waste diversion programs in alignment with Massachusetts’ Solid Waste Master Plan. The town’s single-stream recycling program accepts paper, cardboard, plastics, and metals. Electronics are banned from landfill disposal under state law; residents can bring e-waste to the transfer station or participate in annual collection events. The DPW partners with local organizations for donation and reuse, including Habitat for Humanity ReStore and Goodwill. Scrap metal is accepted at the transfer station, and yard waste is composted on-site. For a full list of accepted recyclables and drop-off guidelines, consult the Shrewsbury Recycling Program.

• Single-stream recycling collected curbside
• Electronics recycling events held annually
• Donation partnerships with local nonprofits
• Scrap metal and yard waste accepted at transfer station

Navigating Shrewsbury’s Unique Access Challenges for Waste Removal

Shrewsbury’s geography and climate present specific challenges for junk removal. Winter snow and ice can limit access to driveways and curbside pickup points, especially in hilly neighborhoods like Lake Quinsigamond. Narrow streets in Edgemere and Shrewsbury Center may restrict truck access, requiring smaller vehicles or off-peak scheduling. Flood-prone areas near the lake may generate additional debris after storms, necessitating coordination with the DPW for emergency pickups. Seasonal demand peaks during spring cleaning and fall leaf collection, increasing wait times for bulk waste appointments.

• Winter weather may delay pickups; check DPW alerts
• Narrow streets require advance notice for large trucks
• Floodplain properties may need special debris removal
• Spring and fall are peak seasons for yard waste

Shrewsbury Municipal Regulations & Permits for Junk Removal Services

Junk removal operations in Shrewsbury must comply with municipal regulations governing business licensing, right-of-way use, and code enforcement. Waste haulers are required to obtain a business license from the Town Clerk’s office. Placement of dumpsters or containers on public streets necessitates a right-of-way permit, which costs $50 and requires 3–5 business days for processing. Insurance and bonding are mandatory for all commercial haulers. In historic districts, additional approvals may be needed from the Historic District Commission. Code enforcement monitors compliance and issues penalties for violations.

Code Enforcement Division
100 Maple Avenue, Shrewsbury, MA 01545
Phone: (508) 841-8512
Official Website: Code Enforcement Division

• Business license required for all haulers
• Right-of-way permits for street dumpsters: $50 fee
• Insurance and bonding documentation mandatory
• Historic district approvals may apply

Electronics Disposal & E-Waste Recycling Laws in Massachusetts

Massachusetts enforces a landfill ban on electronics, including TVs, monitors, computers, and printers, under the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection regulations. Residents and businesses in Shrewsbury must use approved e-waste recycling programs or drop-off events. The Shrewsbury transfer station accepts covered devices during designated collection days. Illegal disposal can result in fines of $100–$500 per violation. Data security is the responsibility of the disposer; all hard drives should be wiped before recycling. For a list of accepted items and event dates, visit the Shrewsbury DPW E-Waste page.

• Electronics banned from landfill disposal
• E-waste drop-off at transfer station (see schedule)
• Fines for illegal dumping: $100–$500
• Data destruction required for businesses

Hazardous Waste Restrictions & Proper Disposal Channels in Shrewsbury

Hazardous materials such as paint, chemicals, batteries, and fluorescent bulbs are strictly regulated in Shrewsbury. The DPW hosts an annual Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) Collection Day, typically in the spring, where residents can safely dispose of these items. The transfer station does not accept hazardous waste outside of these events. For year-round disposal, residents may use regional HHW facilities listed by the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection. Prohibited materials include lead-acid batteries, oil-based paints, pesticides, and mercury-containing devices. Businesses must comply with the EPA Universal Waste Rule.

• Annual HHW Collection Day for residents
• No hazardous waste accepted at transfer station outside events
• Regional HHW facilities available for year-round disposal
• Universal waste regulations apply to businesses

Appliance Removal & Refrigerant Recovery Requirements in Shrewsbury

Appliance disposal in Shrewsbury is subject to both state and federal regulations. Refrigerators, freezers, air conditioners, and dehumidifiers must have refrigerants recovered by EPA-certified technicians before acceptance at the transfer station, in accordance with EPA Section 608. The DPW charges a $20 handling fee per appliance. White goods are collected during scheduled bulk waste pickups or can be dropped off at the transfer station. Residents should contact the DPW to confirm current procedures and fees.

• Refrigerant recovery required for appliances
• $20 handling fee per unit at transfer station
• EPA-certified technicians must process appliances
• Bulk pickup or drop-off options available

Construction Debris Sorting & Material Separation Requirements in Shrewsbury

Construction and demolition (C&D) debris generated in Shrewsbury must be sorted to separate recyclables such as clean wood, metal, and concrete from general waste. The transfer station accepts sorted C&D materials for a fee; unsorted loads may be rejected or incur higher charges. Contractors must comply with Massachusetts’ waste ban regulations, which prohibit disposal of certain materials in landfills. Lead-based paint and asbestos from pre-1978 buildings require special handling under the EPA Lead RRP Rule. For large projects, right-of-way permits are needed for dumpster placement.

• C&D debris must be sorted before disposal
• Transfer station accepts clean wood, metal, concrete
• Waste ban prohibits landfill disposal of certain materials
• Lead/asbestos require compliance with federal rules

How Massachusetts Statewide Waste Reduction Goals Impact Shrewsbury Services

Massachusetts’ Solid Waste Master Plan sets ambitious waste reduction and recycling targets for all municipalities, including Shrewsbury. The state aims to reduce solid waste disposal by 30% by 2030 and 90% by 2050. Shrewsbury participates in regional planning efforts and reports annual diversion rates to the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection. The town’s programs are designed to align with state landfill bans on organics, mattresses, and electronics. Residents and businesses are encouraged to maximize recycling, compost yard waste, and utilize donation channels for reusable items.

• State goal: 30% waste reduction by 2030
• Landfill bans on electronics, mattresses, organics
• Annual reporting of diversion rates
• Regional planning for waste management

Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection
One Winter Street, Boston, MA 02108
Phone: (617) 292-5500
Official Website: Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection

Additional Resources: Federal and Regional Compliance Guidance

For questions regarding federal waste regulations, hazardous materials, or interstate transport, Shrewsbury residents and businesses can consult the EPA Region 1 – New England Office. The Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) governs solid and hazardous waste management, while the Universal Waste Rule and Clean Air Act Section 608 set standards for electronics, batteries, and refrigerant recovery. Compliance with these regulations ensures safe, legal, and environmentally responsible junk removal.

• EPA RCRA: Solid and hazardous waste management
• Universal Waste Rule: Batteries, lamps, mercury devices
• Clean Air Act Section 608: Refrigerant recovery
• EPA Region 1: Federal compliance support