All Items

Landfill Banned Free Hazard Suggestions
  1. Ammunition:

    Landfill Banned
    • Gun shops

      Ask if they accept ammunition.

    • Not Regular Recycling
  2. Animal Carcass / Dead Animal:

    Options:

    • Not Regular Recycling
  3. Appliances- Small: blenders, coffee makers, fans, food processors, irons, microwaves, space heaters, toasters...

    If at least 50% metal, dispose as scrap metal.

  4. Asbestos & Asbestos-Containing Materials:

    Landfill Banned
    • Hazardous and must be handled and disposed of carefully
    • In some older building materials and can be dangerous if disturbed
    • Dangers of asbestos exposure.
    • List of licensed asbestos abatement contractors: (802) 863-7236 or here
    • Assistance with health concerns: (802) 865-7784 or ALRP@vermont.gov 
  5. Batteries- Large Lithium Ion: electric car, industrial, solar system

    Landfill Banned

    800+ watt-hours (Wh). Volts x Amps = watt-hours

    Contact your EV dealership or solar system manufacturer for proper disposal.

    • Not Regular Recycling
  6. Beverage Containers: bottles & cans

    Landfill Banned

    The following beverages may have a 5¢ or 15¢ cent deposit.

    • Beer, wine coolers, other malt beverages, and pre-mixed spirits cocktails
    • Carbonated non-alcoholic beverages, including sodas, sparkling waters and juices, and carbonated sports and energy drinks
    • Liquor and spirits”

    Find a drop-off near you.

     

  7. Bicycle Tubes:

    • Not Regular Recycling
    • Trash
  8. Bottle: pill, prescription, supplement, vitamin

    • Ship to Matthew 25: Ministries for developing countries. Must be clean, dry, recapped and have label removed.
    • 2" x 2" Rule: if larger, recycle and if smaller, trash
  9. Boxboard or Corrugated Cardboard:

    Landfill Banned

    If waxed, belongs in trash

  10. Caps & Lids- Plastic:

    • Recycling:
      • larger than 2" x 2"
      • any size and reattached to rinsed container
    • Trash:
      • smaller than 2" x 2" and unattached
      • black
  11. Carbon Monoxide Detectors- CO

    If the unit is also a smoke detector, check to see if it ionizing/radioactive. Learn more at: cvswmd.org/smoke-detectors

  12. Cartons- Coated: broth, juice, milk...

    • Not Regular Recycling
    • Trash
  13. CFC Units: AC, dehumidifier, freon tank, fridge, freezer, refrigerator, water cooler

    Landfill Banned
  14. Creosote & Soot:

    From households, it can be disposed of as trash as it is not regulated.

    If generated from a business, it should be disposed of at the Eco Depot as hazardous waste.

    Empty containers for hazardous products are TRASH. Use all of the product. Do not rinse.

    • Not Regular Recycling
  15. Egg Cartons- Styrofoam:

    • Not Regular Recycling
    • Trash
  16. Face Masks:

    • Not Regular Recycling
    • Trash
  17. Flares- Marine:

    Landfill Banned

    Please contact the Coast Guard in Burlington (802) 862-0376.

    • Not Regular Recycling
  18. Flares- Road

    Landfill Banned

    Please contact your local police department or the VT State Police at (802) 878-7111. 

    For marine flares, contact the Coast Guard in Burlington at (802) 862-0376.

    • Not Regular Recycling
  19. Gift Wrap, Wrapping Paper- Plain only:

    Consider purchasing reusable alternatives.

  20. Gift Wrap: coated, metallic, foil, shiny, sparkly

    Consider purchasing reusable alternatives.

    • Not Regular Recycling
    • Trash
  21. Glass Bottles & Jars- Broken:

    • Not Regular Recycling
    • Trash
  22. Hazardous Waste: acids, bases, bleaches, cleaners, disinfectants, fertilizers, fuels, flammables, insecticides, lawn chemicals, nail polish & remover, oils, oxidizers, perfume, pesticides, pool chemicals, weed killer...

    Empty containers for hazardous products are TRASH, not recycling.

  23. Lead Paint Chips:

    Landfill Banned

    Businesses

    Very Small Quantity Generators (VSQGs) removing residential Lead Paint Chips can bag and disposed of as hazardous waste.

    Larger generators must determine whether if Lead Paint Chip waste is hazardous for lead content (waste code D008) to properly manage it. Either manage it as hazardous waste based known lead content or have it tested for lead content.

    Learn if you are a VSQG or other size generator: https://dec.vermont.gov/waste-management/hazardous-waste/generator-category

    All non-household generators must follow Lead Safe Work Practices. 

    Residents:

    Lead paint chips should be bagged and disposed of as hazardous waste.

  24. Light Bulbs- Fluorescent: broken

    Landfill Banned

    DANGER! Fluorescent bulbs contain mercury (Hg), which is highly toxic. If a fluorescent bulb breaks, follow these VT Dept of Health instructions:

    • Evacuate the space and close off from rest of the building.
    • Ventilate area for at least 15 minutes
    • Remove all bulb materials you can, and don’t use a vacuum cleaner or you will spread Hg and permanently contaminate your vacuum.
      • Wear disposable gloves if available
      • Carefully scoop up the glass fragments and powder with a stiff paper or cardboard (such as playing cards or index cards)
      • Pick up any remaining small pieces of glass and powder using sticky tape (such as masking or duct tape)
      • Wipe the area clean with a damp paper towel or disposable wet wipe
      • If carpeted area, remove carpet and dispose.
    • Place all cleanup materials (cardboard, gloves, tape, etc.) into a tightly-lidded, rigid, plastic container.
    • Wash your hands.
    • Leave windows in the affected room open as long as practical (weather permitting).

    Broken fluorescent bulbs may be disposed of at a Household Hazardous Waste Collection or Eco Depot.

  25. Light Bulbs- Halogen, Incandescent, LED, UV:

    Only the UV bulbs contain mercury and are legally banned from the trash. If one is broken, follow safety guidelines for broken fluorescent bulbs.

  26. Magazines:

    Landfill Banned
  27. Maple Sugaring Tubing / Lines:

    Visit NWSWD.org or call (802) 524-5986.

    • Not Regular Recycling
    • Trash
  28. Medical Equipment & Supplies: CPAP, crutches, toilet stands, walkers, wheelchairs, etc.

    VT Assistive Technology Program project - 1-800-750-6355.

    The Eco Depot can take it if the item DOES NOT CONTAIN BIO-WASTE and has a battery or plugs into an outlet or is at least 85% metal by weight.

  29. Medical Sharps: hypodermic needles, lancets, syringes

    Landfill Banned

    Options:

  30. Medical Waste:

    Contact local hospital or clinic for advice. If needles or lancets, see Medical Sharps:

    • Not Regular Recycling
  31. Mothballs:

    Landfill Banned

    Empty containers for hazardous products are TRASH.

    Non-toxic options: clothes moth traps, cedar planks, or essential oils of: cedar wood, clove, lavender, eucalyptus, peppermint.

  32. Multi-Layered Plastic Bags & Wrappers: candy bar, chips, dried fruit, pasta, pet food, popcorn, protein bars, snacks

  33. Paint Cans- Empty: plastic

    • Not Regular Recycling
    • Trash
  34. Paper & Paper Bags:

    Landfill Banned

    Choose reusable bags.

  35. Paper Towels

    Not Recyclable; can go in trash.

    • Excellent for compost or wood stove kindling if:
      • not used on toxic chemicals
      • are 100% paper (stretchy ones contain plastic)
    • Not Regular Recycling
  36. Pellet Stove or Wood Pellet Bags:

    To prepare for recycling: cut open 3 sides, shake out debris, and flatten

  37. Personal Pleasure Items: lube, massagers, vibrators

    Examples meet one of the following:

    • is at least 50% metal
    • uses a battery (if it has an embedded battery, it is banned from the landfill)
    • contains a motor
    • silicone-containing lube

    Questions? Contact us.

  38. Pizza Boxes:

    Landfill Banned
    • Recycling: clean or with grease
    • Trash: stuck on food
  39. Plastic Bins & Totes:

    • Recycle:
      • smaller than 2x2 feet
      • any color but black

    Otherwise, trash

  40. Plastic Film #2 & #4: stretchy bags, bubble wrap, shipping envelopes, shrink wrap...

    Recyclable if clean and dry at Eco Depot or special drop-off sites

    These plastic films can be recycled (if stretchy, not crinkly):

    • Bubble wrap
    • Shipping envelopes (no silver or paper coating)
    • Stretch film/Shrink wrap
    • Bags:
      • bread
      • dry cleaning
      • carry out
      • case wrap
      • newspaper
      • produce
      • ​produce bags (not compostable)
      • six-pack rings
  41. Plastic Rigid Containers: #1, #2, #5: beverage bottles or jugs; yogurt, cottage cheese & condiment containers; buckets & lids

    Landfill Banned

    Recycle if bigger than 2x2 inches/smaller than 2x2 feet, and not black.

    You must remove the metal handle before recycling buckets

    Empty containers that held hazardous products are TRASH.

  42. Plastic Rigid Containers: #3, #6, #7

    Landfill Banned

    Empty containers that held hazardous products are TRASH.

  43. Shaving Razors, Blades & Packaging:

    • Trash: plastic razors
    • Scrap Metal: at least 50% metal
    • Consider buying reusable option
  44. Shredded Paper

    Landfill Banned

    To recycle, store in clear plastic bag. 

    Not accepted in blue bin - Ask your transfer station where they want it.

  45. Small Plastics: toothbrushes, dental floss packs, toothpaste tubes; contact lenses & packaging; disposable plastic razors & blades & plastic packaging; squeezable food snack pouches & caps

    All Items must be clean and dry.

    See details at Rise Up Refill: www.riseupvt.com/specialrecycling

    Free
  46. Smoke Detectors:

    Some smoke detectors and combo smoke/CO detectors contain radioactive material, Americium 241. Look on the unit for (i), ionizing, radioactive or Am 241

    Smoke detectors with an embedded lithium battery should be brought to the Eco Depot.

  47. Solar Panels:

    See state guidance for diversion.

    • Not Regular Recycling
  48. Toner or Ink Cartridges:

    • Not Regular Recycling
    • Trash
  49. Water Filters- Activated Charcoal: brita, culligan, zerowater...

    Tip: cut open and empty activated carbon onto ground.

  50. Wood & Pallets- Untreated:

    Reuse pallets or donate locally. Segregate pressure treated from untreated wood when recycling. 

    • Untreated wood codes/markings: EPAL, HT, and DB. Safe to reuse or burn.
    • Treated or painted pallets codes/markings: MB, EUR and are trash. DO NOT BURN.
  51. Wood Ash:

    • Scatter on the land or use in place of sand on icy walkways.
    • Trash (no coals)
    • Not Regular Recycling
    • Trash
  52. Ziploc Type Plastic Bags:

    • Recycle at a special drop-off site for plastic film #2 & #4
    • When reasonable, choose reusable alternatives

Hazards

  • HOUSEHOLD HAZARDOUS WASTE

    common household hazardous waste products
    • Corrosive, Explosive, Flammable, Reactive, Poison
    • Banned from the landfill
    • Look for label words: Caution, Danger, Flammable, Poison, Warning
    • Store cool, dry, and out of reach of children and pets
    • Never pour down the drain or outside.

    Dispose of these items at our annual Household Haz-Waste Collections or make an appointment at the Eco Depot.

    • Aerosol Cans- Toxics: not empty
    • Ammonia:
    • Antifreeze, Coolant, & Glycol:
    • Automotive Fluids: transmission, gear, hydraulic fluids, & motor oil
    • Bleach & Bleach Products:
    • Cleaning and Disinfecting Chemicals:
    • Fertilizers- Chemical:
    • Flammable Liquids:
    • Fuel & Fuel Mixes:
    • Gasoline & Gas / Oil Mixtures:
    • Hazardous Waste: acids, bases, bleaches, cleaners, disinfectants, fertilizers, fuels, flammables, insecticides, lawn chemicals, nail polish & remover, oils, oxidizers, perfume, pesticides, pool chemicals, weed killer...
    • Hydraulic Fluids:
    • Kerosene:
    • Light Bulbs- Fluorescent: broken
    • Mercury- Loose: liquid, broken container
    • Mothballs:
    • Motor Oil:
    • Oil Filters: used
    • Paint: automotive, aerosol, machine, marine, 2-part...
    • Personal Care Products: cologne, deodorant, hair spray, hair dye, hand soap, makeup, nail polish & remover, perfume, shampoo, sunscreen...
    • Poisons / Pesticides: fungicides, herbicides, insecticides, rodenticides
    • Propane Tanks or Cylinders: up to 30lbs
    • Rags- Oily:
    • Solvents: acetone, degreaser, paint thinner, laquer thinner
    • Transmission Fluid
  • MERCURY

    Mercury: compact fluorescent bulb, thermostat, broken thermometer, old toggle switch
    • Landfill-Banned
    • Highly toxic, silvery liquid that evaporates into a colorless, odorless vapor
    • Avoid breaking
    • FREE DISPOSAL: intact fluorescent bulbs and Mercury thermostats
    • SMALL FEE: other mercury devices
    • Learn more. 

    Broken fluorescent bulbs: handle carefully, contain securely, and bring to the Eco Depot or a household haz-waste collection.  

    • Light Bulbs- Fluorescent: intact CFLs or tubes
    • Mercury Devices- Unbroken: relays, sensors, switches, thermometers
    • Mercury- Loose: liquid, broken container
  • ELECTRONIC WASTE / E-WASTE

    computer, keyboard, tower, monitor, speakers, mouse, printer
    • Landfill-banned
    • Contains heavy metals and toxins
    • FREE to recycle: TV's, computers+ (desktop printers, drives, mice, keyboards, routers, modems, speakers)
    • Fees to recycle: cell phones, iPods, MP3s, GPS, e-readers, etc. Bring to Eco Depot.
    • Computer Monitors: CRTs, flat-panel, LCD, plasma
    • Computer Peripherals: camera, cords, desktop printer, external hard drive, keyboard, modem, monitor, mouse, router, scanner, speakers
    • Computers: desktops, laptops, notebooks, netbooks
    • Personal Electronics: cameras, GPS, Mp3 players, smart watches
    • Printers- Desktop:
    • Televisions / TVs:
  • BATTERIES

    household batteries
    • Landfill-banned
    • Loose or embedded Lithium batteries (in phones, laptops, toys, flashlights, ear buds, etc.) may catch fire
    • Tape the terminals of Lithium batteries with clear packing tape
    • Recycle batteries up to 11lbs for FREE at a collection center through VT's EPR program.
    • Batteries- Automotive: lead acid, marine/boat
    • Batteries- Large Lithium Ion: electric car, industrial, solar system
    • Batteries- Lithium: damaged or swollen
    • Batteries- Medium Lithium: E-bike, E-lawnmower...
    • Batteries- Under 11lbs: single use or rechargeable
    • Computers: desktops, laptops, notebooks, netbooks
    • COVID-19 Home Test Kits:
    • Hand & Power Tools:
    • iPods, MP3 & Music Players:
    • Phones- Cell:
    • Vacuum Cleaners:
    • Vape Pens & Cartridges:

Special Instructions

  • SAFER CHEMICAL CHOICES - Cleaners / Disinfectants / Pesticides

    Green Seal, Safer Choice, EWG and DfE logos

    Avoid cleaning and disinfecting chemicals that cause asthma, cancer, etc. Learn to identify safer products or make your own.

    Pesticides (herbicides, insecticides, fungicides, rodenticides) harm humans, pets and the environment. Reduce use by, removing pest attractants and access points. Create barriers against pests and weeds. Use the least-toxic options appropriate for the situation.

    Store hazardous chemicals away from children, pets and water sources. Dispose of them at a household hazardous waste collection or by appointment, at the Eco Depot.

    • Aerosol Cans- Toxics: not empty
    • Ammonia:
    • Bleach & Bleach Products:
    • Cleaning and Disinfecting Chemicals:
    • Fertilizers- Chemical:
    • Hazardous Waste: acids, bases, bleaches, cleaners, disinfectants, fertilizers, fuels, flammables, insecticides, lawn chemicals, nail polish & remover, oils, oxidizers, perfume, pesticides, pool chemicals, weed killer...
    • Personal Care Products: cologne, deodorant, hair spray, hair dye, hand soap, makeup, nail polish & remover, perfume, shampoo, sunscreen...
    • Poisons / Pesticides: fungicides, herbicides, insecticides, rodenticides
  • TANGLERS - Keep out of Regular Recycling

    Not Regular Recycling

    They clog up the recycling machinery:

    • cords
    • fabric
    • bags
    • rope
    • wire
    • Clothing, Shoes, Sheets, Towels, Accessories & Soft Bags:
    • Cords, Cables, Adaptors, & Wires:
    • Fabric & Textiles: bedding, curtains, table cloths, rags, etc.
    • Instrument Strings- Metal:
    • Instrument Strings- Nylon:
    • String Lights, Christmas Lights:
    • Tyvek:
    • Wire:

Special Recycling

Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) programs fund disposal programs for certain items. Vermont's EPR programs include batteries, fluorescent bulbs, paint, mercury-containing devices, and certain electronics. Learn more at the VT Department of Environmental Conservation website.

All of these items (except broken fluorescent bulbs) can be recycled at CVSWMD’s Additional Recyclable Collection Center (ARCC). Broken fluorescent bulbs should be brought to a Household Hazardous Waste Collection.

  • Phones- Cell:
  • Computers: desktops, laptops, notebooks, netbooks
  • Printers- Desktop:
  • Computer Monitors: CRTs, flat-panel, LCD, plasma
  • Paint- Architectural: primers, stains, deck & concrete sealers, clear finishes (in original can with label)
  • Televisions / TVs:
  • Computer Peripherals: camera, cords, desktop printer, external hard drive, keyboard, modem, monitor, mouse, router, scanner, speakers
  • Light Bulbs- Fluorescent: intact CFLs or tubes