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Our state’s landfills and incinerators pollute the air and water of neighboring communities. Unfortunately, Massachusetts produced 6,160,000 tons of waste in 2023, falling short of its own waste reduction goals, and actually increasing 2.7% from 2022 and 8.8% from 2018. We're trending in the wrong direction. But most of that waste is actually made up of materials that don’t need to be thrown in the trash including things that could have been recycled or composted, like cardboard, glass, paper, metal, leaves, yard waste, and food scraps.

We need the Commonwealth to get serious about reducing

When discarded electronics end up in landfills or informal recycling sites, they break down and release toxic chemicals that contaminate our soil and water. The best solution is to prevent that electronic waste (or e-waste) in the first place.

Toxic chemicals surround us—in our air, water, homes, and workplaces. Many chemicals used in everyday products, like plastics, cosmetics, toys, and furniture, increase the risk of serious illnesses.

Clean Water Action is working to reduce toxic chemicals in our homes, workplaces and communities.

Our top 2026 priorities are: Ban toxic PFAS chemicals from consumer products. Read more in this fact sheet about the proposed 25-26 legislation! Get toxic chemicals out of the things kids use every day. Learn more about the legislation we are supporting this session! Support Massachusetts communities