Since 1990, the Cape Cod Commission has helped Cape towns identify alternative disposal methods to unlined landfills. The Commission's efforts support an integrated approach to managing wastes, focusing on waste reduction, recycling, and composting to supplement waste disposal by transfer to the SEMASS waste-to-energy incineration facility off Cape.

Working with Cape Cod Cooperative Extension, the Commission also supports Cape towns in their efforts to dispose of hazardous waste materials. Barnstable County has negotiated a joint bid that reduces administrative expenses for each participating town. The Commission supports many of the Cape's annual household hazardous waste collection events.