The Greater New Bedford Regional Refuse Management District is a public entity that works closely with staff from its member communities (the City of New Bedford and the Town of Dartmouth) to promote and manage an integrated solid waste management program that prioritizes waste reduction, reuse of materials, proper recycling, and composting and anaerobic digestion of organic wastes as essential means to reduce reliance on disposal facilities and to align with MassDEP’s 2030 Solid Waste Master Plan. The District provides cost-effective and environmentally responsible municipal solid waste disposal services at the Crapo Hill Landfill, which currently saves its member communities an estimated $3.2 million per year combined and over $78 million in total waste disposal costs since opening in 1995.
The District is proposing to construct a new waste disposal cell (Cell 7) located entirely within the original site assigned area at the Crapo Hill Landfill. This cell – a carefully built section of the lined landfill that safely holds waste in place – is being designed according to solid waste regulations (310 CMR 19.00). The Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) is currently reviewing the District’s solid waste application requesting an Authorization to Construct (ATC) this landfill cell.
The District is offering an organized tour of the Landfill and informational session related to this ATC permit application on September 13, 2025, from 9:00 am-12:00pm at the Landfill- 300 Samuel Barnet Blvd, New Bedford MA 02745. The District requests pre-registration for this tour to assist with planning logistics by clicking: TOUR REGISTRATION LINK , by calling the administrative office at 508-763-5924, or by emailing lferreira@gnbrrmdistrict.org Please notify us if any special accommodations are needed as soon as possible.
Authorization to Construct (ATC) Cell 7 Permit Application
The District welcomes and values comments from the public related to this Cell 7 permit application. All comments received will be carefully reviewed and considered as part of this permitting process. Comments may be submitted in person at the landfill tour & informational session on September 13th, by mail to: Greater New Bedford Regional Refuse Management District, 300 Samuel Barnet Blvd, New Bedford MA 02745, or online by clicking: PUBLIC COMMENT LINK.
Comments will be received until September 30, 2025. Comments must relate to the proposed Cell 7 project and its potential environmental, community, or operational impacts. After the close of the comment period, the District will prepare a summary of the feedback received and provide written responses to key themes and questions. This summary will be posted on this website so the community can see how comments were addressed. The District is committed to ensuring that neighbors remain informed, heard, and engaged throughout this process.
We are committed to promoting sustainable practices within our community. Our range of services is designed to help residents of New Bedford and Dartmouth manage waste responsibly while supporting environmental health. From compost bins and food waste drop-off programs to specialized recycling and paper shredding events, we provide the tools and resources needed to reduce waste and promote recycling. Join us in making a positive impact on our environment!
Click here for information about purchasing a backyard compost bin! Turn fruit and vegetable scraps, coffee grounds, eggshells, and yard waste, such as dry leaves, into nutrient-rich soil amendment!
Type the name of an item in the Recyclopedia from Recycle Smart MA and find out where it goes! The Recyclopedia is a tool provided by the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection.
Participating in your city or town’s Food Waste Drop-Off reduces your trash, turns food waste into valuable resources, and keeps food waste out of the Crapo Hill Landfill.
The next Household Hazardous Waste Drop-Off Day is on September 27, 2025. Sign up required – click here to sign up for the event. Events are for New Bedford, Dartmouth, and Freetown residents.
The next Paper Shredding Day is on September 6, 2025. They are a great opportunity to recycle confidential documents such as bank statements, medical forms, or retired tax forms.
The Greater New Bedford Regional Refuse Management District is a great example of regional cooperation and provides cost-effective, safe, and sustainable municipal solid waste disposal services. The District is a public entity that was formed in 1979 when Dartmouth and New Bedford signed an Inter-Municipal Agreement under Massachusetts General Laws, Chapter 40, Section 44A-K and a special act of the State Legislature. The District is governed by a Committee composed of three members from New Bedford and three members from Dartmouth, whose primary focus is serving the best interest of these communities.
Greater New Bedford Regional Refuse Management District
300 Samuel Barnet Blvd.
New Bedford, MA 02745
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