Universal Recycling
The Vermont Legislature unanimously passed the Universal Recycling law in 2012, which banned the disposal of recyclables (metal, glass, plastics #1 & #2, and paper/cardboard) by JULY 1, 2015; leaf and yard debris and clean wood by JULY 1, 2016; and food scraps by JULY 1, 2020. It also requires solid waste haulers and facilities to collect these same materials. Learn more about what we are doing to keep reusable materials out of landfills and what you can do to help.
Composting
Did you know that organic matter (such as food scraps and leaf and brush debris) makes up about 28% of household waste? When this material decomposes in landfills, it emits methane, a greenhouse gas that is 21 times more potent than carbon dioxide. Preventing organic materials from entering the landfill not only saves limited landfill space, it also reduces the emissions of methane while enabling us to recapture the nutrient value of the material.
Learn about composting and help up keep organic matter out of landfills! Or take the next step and become a master composter through the University of Vermont's Extension Service.
Other Recycling and Product Stewardship Programs
- Vermont e-Cycles (the Vermont Electronic Recycling program)
- Primary (single use) Batteries
- MERC (the Mercury Education and Reduction campaign)
- PaintCare (the Paint Recycling progarm)
- Construction and Demolition debris management
- Household Hazardous Waste