State Issues Order to Ensure Continuity Of Waste and Recycling Collection

The Baker-Polito Administration on Monday announced the issuance of an emergency order to ensure that intrastate waste and recycling collection and disposal will continue uninterrupted during the COVID-19 emergency. 

Due to the essential nature of these services and anticipated impacts due to the COVID-19 outbreak, the Administration’s order provides relief from state and federal requirements that govern the hours of service allowed for commercial vehicle operators involved in waste and recycling transportation and collection, while maintaining important safety protections and measures. 

“As Massachusetts continues its comprehensive response to the COVID-19 outbreak, it is imperative that residents across the Commonwealth be able to rely on key services such as waste and recycling collection and disposal,” said Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection Commissioner Martin Suuberg. â€œBy issuing this emergency order, we can better protect public health by ensuring that residents are able to maintain proper hygiene, cleanliness, and social distancing in their homes while navigating these new and challenging circumstances.”

The Administration’s action will help support continuity of waste and recycling operations by helping to ensure availability of adequate staffing resources throughout this emergency, and is consistent with the State of Emergency declared by Governor Charlie Baker on Tuesday, March 10.

The order will remain in effect until April 12, 2020 unless the Administration determines otherwise.