Feedback on Strategies and Obstacles for Reducing Household Waste
Trash disposal is getting more expensive every year, and Massachusettshas set statewide goals to cut waste and keep more materials out of landfills and incinerators.
Zero Waste Arlington included a handful of questions in the 2026 Annual Town Survey to gather feedback from residents on the obstacles they face and the strategies they employ to reduce their household waste.
The results of this survey help us better understand residents’ priorities, challenges, and ideas for reducing waste. Zero Waste Arlington will continue to work with the Town and Schools to reduce overall waste.
Overall, residents feel more strongly about the following areas:
- Townwide Composting
- Incentives for restaurants and schools to eliminate single use. Thanks to a DEP grant and efforts by the School Sustainability Coordinator, a lot of progress has been made in our schools
- Increased access to Recycling Center, with many requests for increased cardboard recycling
- More education and communication from the town (what is recyclable and where)
- Strong desire to bring the Goodwill truck back. Update: The Goodwill truck at Stop & Shop returned in mid April!
- More swapping/donation options (i.e. Swap Shed, etc.
Click the images below to view the responses.
Additional Resources:
