Plan Your Wachusett Recycling Trip Before You Load the Car
Wachusett Watershed Regional Recycling Center is not a normal curbside drop-off yard. It is a regional nonprofit recycling, reuse and household-item disposal facility serving seven member towns, with seasonal hours, mandatory check-in, resident verification and item-specific fees.
This guide covers the current 2026 schedule, eligible towns, ID rules, check-in process, recycling and reuse areas, electronics, appliances, furniture, mattresses, tires, propane tanks, Styrofoam, construction debris, batteries, paint, household hazardous products, document shredding and current special-event dates.
Quick Answer: Wachusett Recycling Center Basics
Wachusett Watershed Regional Recycling Center is at 131 Raymond Huntington Highway, West Boylston, MA 01583. The center is operated by Wachusett Earthday Inc., a nonprofit working with the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation and seven member towns.
Normal public access is limited to residents of Boylston, Holden, Paxton, Princeton, Rutland, Sterling and West Boylston. Everyone must go through Check-In, including people who only want to browse reusable items. Bring proof of current residency.
From April through October, normal hours are Tuesday 9:00–11:00 AM, Thursday 4:00–6:00 PM, and the first and third Saturday 9:00 AM–12:00 PM. From November through March, Tuesday changes to 10:00 AM–12:00 PM and Thursday to 2:00–4:00 PM; first and third Saturday stays 9:00 AM–12:00 PM.
On this page
- 2026 hours
- Weather closures
- Who can use it
- ID and check-in
- Payment methods
- Site layout
- Free recycling
- Current fees
- Electronics
- Appliances
- Furniture
- Mattresses
- Tires
- Propane tanks
- Styrofoam
- Project debris
- Batteries and bulbs
- ReUse Building
- 2026 special collections
- Latex paint
- Household hazardous products
- Document shredding
- Not accepted
- Compost bins
- Teachers/nonprofits
- Directions
- Before-you-go checklist
- Related guides
- Official sources
- FAQ
Wachusett Recycling Center Hours for 2026
The center uses separate summer and winter schedules. Do not rely on an old Google listing or a previous-year brochure because the weekday time changes by season.
| Season | Tuesday | Thursday | Saturday |
|---|---|---|---|
| April–October | 9:00 AM–11:00 AM | 4:00 PM–6:00 PM | 1st & 3rd Saturdays, 9:00 AM–12:00 PM |
| November–March | 10:00 AM–12:00 PM | 2:00 PM–4:00 PM | 1st & 3rd Saturdays, 9:00 AM–12:00 PM |
Published 2026 holiday closings
- January 1
- July 4
- September 5
- November 26
- December 24
- December 31
Weather and Staffing Can Close the Site With Little Notice
Because Wachusett Earthday depends heavily on volunteers, normal posted hours are not an absolute guarantee. The center tells visitors to check its website, Facebook page or phone message before leaving home.
Published 2026 guidance says the site may close when real-feel or heat-index conditions are below about 10°F or above 95°F, when snow has not been cleared, during dangerous thunderstorms, or when staffing is not sufficient for safe operation.
Only Residents of Seven Wachusett Towns Can Normally Drop Off Material
Boylston
Eligible resident town.
Holden
Eligible resident town.
Paxton
Eligible resident town.
Princeton
Eligible resident town.
Rutland
Eligible resident town.
Sterling
Eligible resident town.
West Boylston
Eligible resident town.
Commercial loads are not accepted. The center is intended for residential material from its participating communities.
Bring Proof of Residency and Stop at Check-In
Every visitor must stop at the Check-In booth, including someone who only wants to shop or browse the reuse areas.
The center asks for proof of current residency. Examples published in 2026 include a driver’s license, state ID, utility bill or another official document showing your current address. If the address document is separate from your ID, the names should match.
Payment Methods Accepted at Check-In
For materials with a fee, the center currently accepts:
- Cash
- Check
- Credit/debit card
- Apple Pay
- Google Pay
Fees can change with recycling and disposal markets. Volunteers also have discretion when an unusual item, sectional furniture or mixed-volume load does not match a standard category exactly.
Know the Site Layout Before You Pack the Car
The center works best when the vehicle is packed in drop-off order. Put items for your first stop where they can be reached first.
Center Circle
Used for categories such as cardboard, mixed containers, paper, clean white Styrofoam, household batteries, bulbs, mercury items, bulky plastics and selected reuse goods.
North 40
Handles many bulky materials such as tires, propane tanks, fire extinguishers, mattresses, construction debris, metals, electronics, large appliances, lawn equipment and furniture.
ReUse Building
The reuse/resource area is generally your final stop on the exit route. Park if you want to browse available items.
Items Currently Accepted for Free or Reuse
Not every item carries a disposal fee. The center currently lists several free recycling and reuse categories.
Free recycling
- Small quantities of household batteries
- Fluorescent and LED bulbs/tubes
- Mercury switches, thermostats and thermometers
- Ink cartridges
- Scrap metal
Free reuse
- Bicycles
- Home textiles
- Clothing and shoes
- Home assistive equipment
- Reusable household goods
Other free categories
- Returnable bottles/cans
- Reusable packing materials
- Selected containers with lids
- Eyeglasses
- Arts/crafts and school supplies for reuse
Current Wachusett Drop-Off Fees — July 2026 Schedule
The fee schedule was updated in July 2026. Older brochures may show lower prices, so use the current online fee list for trip planning.
| Item | Current Published Fee | Important Detail |
|---|---|---|
| Countertop appliance | $3 | Microwave, toaster, mixer, air fryer, crock pot and similar. |
| Vacuum / steam cleaner | $3 | Floor appliances. |
| Washer / dryer / stove / water heater / dishwasher | $5 | Large non-refrigerant appliance. |
| Full refrigerator / freezer | $20 | Refrigerant appliance. |
| A/C / dehumidifier / dorm fridge / wine fridge | $15 | Medium refrigerant appliance. |
| TV | $25 | Published as regardless of size. |
| Monitor 25 inches or larger | $10 | Smaller/other office electronics may use another fee category. |
| Small electronics | $1–$5 typical category range | Depends on type and size. |
| Fire extinguisher | $10 | Separate specialty handling. |
| Tire up to 19″ | $7 | With or without rim. |
| Commercial truck tire | $35 | Large equipment/loader tires are not accepted. |
| 20-lb propane tank | $4 | Full or empty. |
| 30–60 lb propane tank | $6 | Full or empty. |
| 100-lb propane tank | $20 | Full or empty. |
| Clean white #6 packing Styrofoam | $2 minimum to about $10/carload | Prorated by volume; no food/drink/egg foam. |
| Corrugated cardboard | $2 minimum / $5 carload / $8 cu. yd. bulk | Flattened and empty. |
| Mixed containers | $1 minimum / $2 per 13-gal bin or bagful | Plastics #1–#7, metal and glass. |
| Mixed/shredded paper | $1 minimum / $2 bin or bag / $8 cu. yd. | No tissues, paper towels, hardcover books, plastic bags or used plates/cups. |
| Home-project debris | $60 per cubic yard | Heavy loads can add a minimum $10 surcharge per applicable volume. |
Electronics: Prices Depend on Size and Type
Wachusett accepts a much wider range of electronics than a typical curbside program, but most electronics are fee-based.
| Electronic Type | Published Fee |
|---|---|
| Adapters, cables, wires, Christmas lights | $1 |
| Cell phone, handheld game device, small handheld electronics | $1 |
| Tower computer, small printer, tablet, Kindle, keyboard, router | $2 |
| Laptop, regular monitor, large printer, copier, scanner, server | $5 |
| Monitor 25″ or larger | $10 |
| Television | $25 |
| Stereo/DVD/VCR/speakers/projector/GPS | $2 |
Before recycling computers, phones, tablets and storage devices, remove personal data, log out of accounts and remove removable storage where practical.
Appliances: Refrigerant Items Cost More
Small countertop
Microwave, coffee maker, toaster, mixer, bread machine, slow cooker, air fryer and similar items are currently $3.
Large non-refrigerant
Washer, dryer, stove, water heater and dishwasher are currently $5.
Refrigerant appliances
Full-size refrigerator/freezer is $20; A/C, dehumidifier, dorm fridge and wine fridge are $15.
Do not cut refrigerant lines or try to release refrigerant yourself before transport.
Furniture Is Accepted, but Pricing Depends on the Piece
The center accepts many furniture items for reuse or disposal. Reusable furniture may be redirected to community partners, but fees still may apply because the center must plan for eventual disposal if an item is not reused.
| Furniture | Current Fee |
|---|---|
| Wooden chair, end table, coffee table, small bookcase, TV stand | $3 |
| Kitchen table, desk, office chair, ottoman, rocking chair, twin/full bed frame | $5 |
| Upholstered chair, bureau, dresser, entertainment center, dining table, queen/king frame | $10 |
| Couch / loveseat / sofa | $20 |
| Reclining or sleeper furniture | $30 |
| Sectional sofa | Each section priced separately |
| Piano / organ | $30 |
Mattresses and Box Springs Are Accepted for a Fee
| Mattress Item | Current Fee |
|---|---|
| Crib mattress | $10 |
| Twin mattress | $20 |
| Twin box spring | $20 |
| Full/Queen mattress | $25 |
| Full/Queen box spring | $25 |
| King mattress | $30 |
| King box spring | $30 |
| Futon mattress | $15 |
| Mattress topper | $15 |
Tire Rules and Current Fees
- Passenger tires up to 19 inches: $7 each, with or without rim.
- Commercial truck tires: $35 each.
- Large equipment / loader tires: not accepted.
If you have farm, industrial, loader or unusual oversized tires, contact another tire recycler before transporting them.
Propane Tanks Are Accepted Full or Empty
| Tank Size | Published Fee |
|---|---|
| 1 lb | $2 |
| 20 lb | $4 |
| 30–60 lb | $6 |
| 100 lb | $20 |
Keep cylinders upright and secured during transport. Do not place propane tanks inside ordinary mixed scrap or recycling.
Only Clean White #6 Packing Styrofoam Is Accepted
The current July 2026 fee page accepts clean white #6 EPS packing foam. The published fee is approximately $2 minimum to $10 per carload, adjusted by volume.
Accepted
- Clean white packing blocks
- Clean white #6 EPS protective packaging
Not accepted in this foam stream
- Food containers
- Drink cups
- Foam egg cartons
- Dirty or contaminated foam
Small Household Project Debris Is Accepted — This Is Not a Commercial C&D Dump
Wachusett accepts household project debris from eligible residents. Current pricing is based mainly on volume rather than scale weight.
Base current rate: $60 per cubic yard. Heavy material such as concrete, brick and asphalt can add a surcharge, with a published minimum heavy-material surcharge of $10.
Examples listed by the center
- Tile
- Shingles
- Wall board
- Windows
- Carpet and padding
- Wood
- Concrete
- Bricks
- Asphalt
- Doors
- Toilets
- Sinks
- Tubs
Batteries, Fluorescent Bulbs and Mercury Items
| Material | Current Route | Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Small quantity mixed household batteries | Center Circle | Free |
| Large bucket of mixed household batteries | Special battery category | $20 |
| Car/marine/motorcycle/tractor lead-acid battery | North 40 | $3 |
| Fluorescent and LED bulbs/tubes | Center Circle | Free |
| Mercury thermostat/thermometer/switch | Center Circle | Free |
ReUse Building: Drop-Off Rules Are Strict
The reuse program is a major part of Wachusett Earthday’s operation. Items should be genuinely reusable rather than being disguised trash.
Current ReUse drop-off requirements
- Maximum two boxes per car per day.
- Each box must be about 30 pounds or less.
- Boxes must close and have lids.
- Items should be clean, complete, working and odor-free.
- Wrap sharp objects so volunteers are not injured.
- Do not bring dirty, food-covered, moldy or mystery-residue items.
Reusable categories include household goods, dishes, cookware, books, art/craft materials, toys, games, sporting goods, school supplies, sewing supplies, containers with lids, hardware, small household items, home medical assistive equipment and reusable packing materials.
Remaining Wachusett Special Collection Dates for 2026
As of September 29, 2026, three important special dates remain.
| Date | Event | Hours | Key Rule |
|---|---|---|---|
| October 3, 2026 | Latex paint collection | 9 AM–12 PM | Original readable containers; water-based non-alkyd paint. |
| October 17, 2026 | Confidential document shredding | 9 AM–12 PM | First two boxes free; additional bags/boxes $2 each. |
| October 17, 2026 | CMHA furniture donation drive | 9 AM–12 PM or until truck fills | Accepted reusable furniture can be donated without the normal disposal fee. |
| October 24, 2026 | Household Hazardous Products only | 9 AM–1 PM | Rest of recycling site and ReUse Building are closed. |
October 3 Latex Paint Collection Rules and Fees
The latex-paint event accepts latex, acrylic and water-based non-alkyd paint from residents of the seven member towns.
Paint must be
- In the original container
- Clearly labeled
- Readable
- Not consolidated into another container
| Quantity | 2026 Fee |
|---|---|
| Up to 3 gallons or 6 lb | $25 |
| >3 to 10 gallons or >6 to 20 lb | $55 |
| >10 to 25 gallons or >20 to 50 lb | $95 |
October 24 Household Hazardous Products Event
The second 2026 HHP event is scheduled for Saturday, October 24 from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM. This is an HHP-only event: the rest of the center, including the ReUse Building, is closed.
| Load | 2026 HHP Fee |
|---|---|
| Up to 3 gallons or 6 lb | $35 |
| >3 to 10 gallons or >6 to 20 lb | $65 |
| >10 to 25 gallons or >20 to 50 lb | $105 |
HHP packing rules
- Do not mix products.
- Leave products in original containers when possible.
- Pack so staff can inspect/count them at Check-In.
- Containers are assumed full when pricing.
- Place material in trunk, truck bed or rear cargo area.
- Material is not removed from passenger seats.
- Containers will not be returned.
- Commercial waste is not accepted.
If you have more than 25 gallons, more than 50 pounds or a highly toxic/dangerous product, call 978-464-2854 before the event.
For urgent hazardous-product disposal outside event dates, Wachusett lists New England Disposal Technologies at 866-769-1621.
October 17 Confidential Document Shredding
The final published 2026 shredding event is Saturday, October 17 from 9:00 AM to noon. The normal recycling site is also open during this shredding event.
- First two boxes are free.
- Each additional bag or box is $2.
- Bring confidential material only.
- Use boxes such as banker boxes or paper bags.
- Remove documents from three-ring binders.
- Save paper clips and binder clips for reuse where practical.
- Recycle non-confidential paper normally instead of using truck capacity.
Items Wachusett Recycling Center Does Not Accept
Household garbage
The center is not a transfer station and does not accept weekly food-containing household trash.
Yard waste
Leaves, brush and other yard waste are not accepted through the regional center. Use your town’s program.
Creosoted wood
Explicitly excluded from the construction/project-debris program.
Commercial loads
The center serves residential member-town users, not contractor or business waste.
Ammunition/explosives/flares
These require a specialized route and are not ordinary HHP.
Medications and sharps
Use your town’s police, board-of-health or approved medication/sharps program.
Also not accepted in normal recycling
- Plastic shopping bags and sheet plastic
- Broken fluorescent bulbs/tubes
- Audio cassette and VCR tapes
- Smoke detectors after battery removal
- Burned-out incandescent bulbs
- Dirty food-service Styrofoam
- Large equipment/loader tires
Compost Bins and Kitchen Scrap Buckets
Wachusett Earthday sells home-composting equipment. The 2026 printed brochure lists the Earth Machine compost bin at $25.
The kitchen scrap bucket price has conflicting current references: the January 2026 brochure lists a Sure-Close bucket at $4, while a newer site post advertises kitchen scrap buckets at $10. Because the operator’s own current pages conflict, verify the bucket price at Check-In before visiting specifically to buy one.
Teachers and Nonprofits Outside the Seven Towns Have a Limited Exception
People outside the seven member towns normally cannot dispose of material at the center. However, teachers, librarians, community groups and nonprofits may sometimes obtain reusable materials from the site.
For teachers outside the member towns, the center publishes typical volunteer-work shopping hours of:
- Monday or Friday: 10:00 AM–1:00 PM
- Tuesday: 5:00–6:30 PM
- Wednesday: 1:00–4:00 PM
Teachers should bring teacher ID. Nonprofits should contact the center in advance so volunteers can help locate suitable materials.
Directions to Wachusett Watershed Regional Recycling Center
The facility is at 131 Raymond Huntington Highway, West Boylston, MA 01583.
From I-190
Take Exit 9, travel north on Route 140 for about 0.2 mile, turn left at the first traffic light onto Raymond Huntington Highway, then continue about one mile. The center will be on the right.
From Holden Center
Travel northeast on Route 31 North, turn right onto Manning Street, then left onto Raymond Huntington Highway. The center is about 0.8 mile ahead on the left.
From West Boylston Center
Travel north on Route 12/140, continue onto Route 140 North, then turn left onto Raymond Huntington Highway at the traffic light. Continue about one mile to the center.
Before-You-Go Checklist
Official Wachusett Sources to Verify Before Visiting
Use this first for current closures, 2026 event reminders, residency-proof notices and late-breaking operational updates.
Open official homepageOfficial summer/winter schedule, HHP dates and weather/staffing closure rules.
Open 2026 hoursDetailed material list, current fees, free categories and excluded materials.
Open accepted-items listUse this for the current July 2026 price schedule before loading fee-based items.
Open current fee scheduleUse this for latex paint, HHP and confidential document shredding rules, prices and event dates.
Open special collectionsConfirms the seven member towns and resident-only disposal rule.
Check eligibilityUseful for payment options, ID, self-unloading, vehicle packing and Check-In instructions.
Open visit-planning guideOfficial driving instructions from I-190, Holden and West Boylston.
Open official directionsFrequently Asked Questions About Wachusett Recycling Center
Where is Wachusett Recycling Center?
Wachusett Watershed Regional Recycling Center is at 131 Raymond Huntington Highway, West Boylston, MA 01583.
What is the phone number?
The center phone number is 978-464-2854.
What are the 2026 summer hours?
April through October: Tuesday 9–11 AM, Thursday 4–6 PM, and first and third Saturdays 9 AM–noon.
What are the winter hours?
November through March: Tuesday 10 AM–noon, Thursday 2–4 PM, and first and third Saturdays 9 AM–noon.
Who can use the center?
Residents of Boylston, Holden, Paxton, Princeton, Rutland, Sterling and West Boylston may normally use the center for drop-off and reuse shopping.
Do I need ID?
Yes. Everyone must stop at Check-In, and the center asks for proof of current residency.
Can businesses use Wachusett Recycling Center?
No. Commercial loads are not accepted.
Does the center accept credit cards?
Yes. Current visit guidance lists cash, check, card, Apple Pay and Google Pay.
Does Wachusett accept TVs?
Yes. The current July 2026 fee is $25 per television regardless of size.
Does the center accept mattresses?
Yes. Mattresses, box springs, futon mattresses and mattress toppers are accepted for item-specific fees.
Does Wachusett accept tires?
Yes. Tires up to 19 inches are currently $7 each with or without a rim. Commercial truck tires are $35. Large equipment/loader tires are not accepted.
Does Wachusett accept propane tanks?
Yes. Full or empty tanks are accepted for size-based fees.
Does the center accept Styrofoam?
Yes, but only clean white #6 packing Styrofoam. Food containers, drink cups and foam egg cartons are not accepted in that stream.
Can I bring construction debris?
Eligible residents may bring household project debris. The current base rate is $60 per cubic yard, with a surcharge possible for heavy material. Commercial loads and creosoted wood are not accepted.
When is the next latex paint event?
As of September 29, 2026, the remaining latex collection is October 3 from 9 AM to noon.
When is the next household hazardous products event?
The remaining 2026 HHP-only event is Saturday, October 24 from 9 AM to 1 PM. The rest of the site is closed that day.
When is document shredding?
The remaining 2026 shredding event is October 17 from 9 AM to noon. The first two boxes are free and additional bags or boxes are $2 each.
Can I drop items at the ReUse Building?
Yes, but current rules limit drop-off to two boxes per car per day. Boxes must close and generally be 30 pounds or less, and contents must be clean, functional and suitable for reuse.
Does the center accept household trash or yard waste?
No. The facility is not a transfer station and specifically excludes household garbage and yard waste.
Can nonresidents shop for reusable items?
Teachers, librarians, nonprofits and certain community groups outside the seven towns may sometimes obtain reusable materials by arrangement, but they cannot use the center as an outside-town disposal facility.
Is Recycling-Centre.org affiliated with Wachusett Earthday?
No. Recycling-Centre.org is an independent information guide. Hours, closures, fees, event dates and item acceptance should be verified directly with Wachusett Earthday before visiting.