All Items

Special Indicators:

Expected Fees Landfill Banned Item Hazard Consider Changing Up Special Recycling

  5. Aluminum: cans, pie plates, foil, siding, etc. (smaller than 4x4 feet)

    Expect fees

    • CVSWMD's facility for hard-to-recycle materials and hazardous waste.

      Not open due to construction. Please check our website for updates.

      (802) 229-9383

    • You can put these items in your regular recycling.

  7. Ammunition

    Landfill banned item
    • Local gun shop

      Contact your local gun shop to learn if they accept old ammunition.

  8. Antifreeze, coolant, and glycol

    Expect fees
    Landfill banned item

    Empty containers for hazardous products (i.e. household cleaners, automotive fluids, pesticides, herbicides) are trash (NOT recyclable). Use all of the product, do not rinse.

  9. Appliances, large, metal (aka “white goods” refrigerators, washing machines, dryers, etc.)

    Expect fees
    Landfill banned item

  10. Appliances, small (microwaves, coffee makers, blenders, etc.)

    Expect fees

    • CVSWMD's facility for hard-to-recycle materials and hazardous waste.

      Not open due to construction. Please check our website for updates.

      (802) 229-9383

    • You can dispose of this item in your regular trash

  12. Asbestos, asbestos-containing materials

    Expect fees
    Landfill banned item

  14. Asphalt shingles, new, reusable

    Expect fees
    Landfill banned item

  17. Automotive fluids - transmission, gear, crankcase, and motor oil

    Expect fees
    Landfill banned item

    Empty containers for hazardous products (i.e. cleaners, automotive fluids, pesticides, herbicides) are trash (NOT recyclable). Use all of the product, do not rinse.

  19. Baby Furniture (changing table, crib, high chair, pack n play, stroller, tent, wagon)

    Durable items for infant and toddler care. Damaged or unusable items are trash.

  20. Baby Supplies (diapering, slings, sheets, bottle feeding, bathing, potty training, etc.)

    Items for infant and toddler care. Damaged or unusable items are trash.

  21. Bags, purses, backpacks

    Expect fees

  22. Ballasts, non-PCB, for fluorescent lights

    Expect fees

    • CVSWMD's facility for hard-to-recycle materials and hazardous waste.

      Not open due to construction. Please check our website for updates.

      (802) 229-9383

    • You can dispose of this item in your regular trash

  23. Ballasts, PCB, for fluorescent lights

    Expect fees
    Landfill banned item

    • CVSWMD's facility for hard-to-recycle materials and hazardous waste.

      Not open due to construction. Please check our website for updates.

      (802) 229-9383

  24. Batteries, household (single use & rechargeable, automotive-lead acid, marine/boat)

    Landfill banned item

  25. Batteries, large Lithium (Li or Li-ion) (E-bike, E-lawnmower, E-chainsaw, etc.)

    Expect fees
    Landfill banned item

    These batteries are between 300- 800 watt-hours (if not on the label, multiply volts x amps for watt-hours)

    • CVSWMD's facility for hard-to-recycle materials and hazardous waste.

      Not open due to construction. Please check our website for updates.

      (802) 229-9383

  26. Batteries, large Lithium Ion (electric car, industrial, solar system)

    Expect fees
    Landfill banned item

    Over 800 watt-hours (Wh) If not on the label, Volts x Amps = watt-hours

    For electric car batteries, contact your EV dealership for disposal. For solar system batteries, contact the manufacturer for proper disposal.

  29. Bicycle tubes

    Expect fees
    • Ask your bike shop if they have a collection program.
    • Alchemy Goods has a national program.

    • You can dispose of this item in your regular trash

  30. Binders & zipper binders

    • Staples will recycle used toner cartridges, pens, crayons, markers, pencils and much more.

    • You can dispose of this item in your regular trash

  31. Bleach and bleach-based products

    Expect fees
    Landfill banned item

    Empty containers for hazardous products such as household cleaners, automotive fluids, pesticides, and herbicides should be placed in the trash (NOT recyclable). Use all of the product, do not rinse.

  33. Boxboard

    Expect fees
    Landfill banned item

    • You can put these items in your regular recycling.

  35. Brita filters and packaging

    Expect fees

    Reuse tip: try cutting open and emptying the activated carbon onto soil or into home compost!

    • You can dispose of this item in your regular trash

  37. Building materials

    Expect fees

    Nationwide Foam Recycling has a mail in recycling program accepting various building materials.

  38. Caps and lids, metal

    Expect fees
    • Metal caps and lids greater than 2" in diameter can be put into your regular blue bin recycling.
    • Metal caps and lids of all sizes can be recycled at the Eco Depot. 

    • CVSWMD's facility for hard-to-recycle materials and hazardous waste.

      Not open due to construction. Please check our website for updates.

      (802) 229-9383

    • You can put these items in your regular recycling.

  39. Caps and lids, plastic

    Expect fees
    • Plastic caps greater than 2" in diameter can be put into your regular blue bin recycling.
    • Plastic caps less than 2" can be put into regular recycling if attached to a recyclable container.
    • Loose plastic caps less than 2" should be disposed of in trash. 

    • You can put these items in your regular recycling.

  42. Cartons, coated (milk, juice, broth, etc.)

    Expect fees

    • You can dispose of this item in your regular trash

  43. Cases, all types of plastic CD/DVD, video & audio tape

    Expect fees

    • You can dispose of this item in your regular trash

  44. Cassette & VHS Tapes, CDs, DVDs, Blue-ray, LaserDisc, floppy discs, etc.

    Expect fees

    Staples accepts CDs & DVDs for recycling

    • You can dispose of this item in your regular trash

  45. Catalogs

    Landfill banned item

    • You can put these items in your regular recycling.

  46. CD and DVD players

    Expect fees
    Landfill banned item

    • CVSWMD's facility for hard-to-recycle materials and hazardous waste.

      Not open due to construction. Please check our website for updates.

      (802) 229-9383

    • Staples will recycle used toner cartridges, pens, crayons, markers, pencils and much more.

  48. Ceramic toilets, sinks, and fixtures

    Expect fees

  49. Chip and popcorn bags

    Expect fees

    • You can dispose of this item in your regular trash

  51. Christmas trees, real

    Check out our website for more information on recycling clean wood: https://www.cvswmd.org/clean-wood.html

  52. Cigarette butts

    Expect fees

    • You can dispose of this item in your regular trash

  53. Clean wood (natural wood, stumps, roots, lumber that has never been painted, stained, or treated)

    Expect fees
    Landfill banned item

  54. Cleaning products, hazardous (oven and toilet cleaners, drain openers, etc.)

    Expect fees
    Landfill banned item

    Empty containers for hazardous products such as household cleaners, automotive fluids, pesticides, and herbicides should be placed in the trash (NOT recyclable). Use all of the product, do not rinse.

  55. Clothing, sheets, towels, footwear, hats, gloves, belts, scarves, jewelry & soft bags

    Expect fees

    Can be recycled at the Additional Recyclables Collection Center if items are clean and dry. Does not have to be wearable. No rags or scraps of fabric. Gloves and shoes must be in pairs. See here for more guidance.

  56. Computer disks, CDs & DVDs (music, movies, video games)

    Expect fees

    GreenDisk has a mail-in recycling program

    • Staples will recycle used toner cartridges, pens, crayons, markers, pencils and much more.

    • You can dispose of this item in your regular trash

  58. Computer peripherals - mouse, keyboards, scanners, external hard drives, modems, routers, computer speakers

    Landfill banned item

  59. Computers, desktops, laptops, notebooks, and netbooks

    Landfill banned item

  60. Concrete and masonry

    Expect fees

  62. Copiers and printers, floor model

    Expect fees
    Landfill banned item

    • CVSWMD's facility for hard-to-recycle materials and hazardous waste.

      Not open due to construction. Please check our website for updates.

      (802) 229-9383

    • Staples will recycle used toner cartridges, pens, crayons, markers, pencils and much more.

  63. Cords, cables, adaptors, and electrical wires

    Expect fees

    • CVSWMD's facility for hard-to-recycle materials and hazardous waste.

      Not open due to construction. Please check our website for updates.

      (802) 229-9383

  64. Corks, natural and artificial

    Expect fees
    • Natural
      • Plainfield Co-op
      • Cork Club – mail-in program.
      • ReCork – drop-off program.
    • Artificial
      • Cork Club – mail-in recycling program.
      • Trash

    • You can dispose of this item in your regular trash

  66. Covid-19 Home Test Kits

    See FDA recommendation re: expiration dates by brand here. Check with your local churches, libraries, and food pantries about donating kits.

    • You can dispose of this item in your regular trash

  69. Dimensional lumber, wood boards

    Expect fees

  70. Documents for shredding

    Expect fees
    Landfill banned item

    • CVSWMD's facility for hard-to-recycle materials and hazardous waste.

      Not open due to construction. Please check our website for updates.

      (802) 229-9383

    • You can put these items in your regular recycling.

  71. Drink pouches (juice, cocktails, etc.)

    Expect fees

    Tip: Consider buying reusable and/or recyclable containers to reduce waste!

    • You can dispose of this item in your regular trash

  74. Egg cartons, styrofoam

    Expect fees

    • You can dispose of this item in your regular trash

  75. Eyeglasses

    Expect fees

    • Lion's Club accepts Eyeglasses for donation. There is an eyeglasses donation box in Berlin Optical Expressions at the Berlin Mall.

      (802) 476-6955

    • Optometrist

      Check with your eye doctor to see if they will take your old glasses for donation or recycling.

    • You can dispose of this item in your regular trash

  77. Fax machines

    Expect fees
    Landfill banned item

    • CVSWMD's facility for hard-to-recycle materials and hazardous waste.

      Not open due to construction. Please check our website for updates.

      (802) 229-9383

    • Staples will recycle used toner cartridges, pens, crayons, markers, pencils and much more.

  79. Fire extinguishers

    Expect fees

    • CVSWMD's facility for hard-to-recycle materials and hazardous waste.

      Not open due to construction. Please check our website for updates.

      (802) 229-9383

    • Local Fire Department

      Your local fire department may accept fire extinguishers

  83. Flower pots, plant pots, plastic (non-black)

    Expect fees

    Black plastic is trash, other plastic pots can be recycled in the Blue Bin after cleaning.

  85. Food grade cooking oil

    Expect fees
    Landfill banned item

  86. Food scraps, food waste

    Expect fees
    Landfill banned item

  88. Furniture, couches, sofas, recliners, etc.

    Expect fees

  89. Game consoles, video game systems

    Expect fees
    Landfill banned item

    • CVSWMD's facility for hard-to-recycle materials and hazardous waste.

      Not open due to construction. Please check our website for updates.

      (802) 229-9383

    • Staples will recycle used toner cartridges, pens, crayons, markers, pencils and much more.

  91. Gift wrap, metallic, foil, shiny, sparkle, coated

    Expect fees

    Tip: Consider using reusable or recyclable alternatives to reduce your waste!

    • You can dispose of this item in your regular trash

  92. Gift wrap, wrapping paper, plain only

    Expect fees

    • You can put these items in your regular recycling.

  93. Glass Bottles and Jars, Broken

    • You can dispose of this item in your regular trash

  100. Holiday string lights, Christmas lights

    Expect fees

    • CVSWMD's facility for hard-to-recycle materials and hazardous waste.

      Not open due to construction. Please check our website for updates.

      (802) 229-9383

    • You can dispose of this item in your regular trash

  101. Hydraulic fluids

    Expect fees
    Landfill banned item

    Empty containers for hazardous products such as household cleaners, automotive fluids, pesticides, and herbicides should be placed in the trash (NOT recyclable). Use all of the product, do not rinse.

  102. Hypodermic needles, lancets, syringes, sharps

    Landfill banned item
    • Central VT Medical Center inside main entryway.
    • Contact your local clinic. Many have medication drop boxes and sharps disposal bins.
    • Barre Police Department in the lobby.
    • Find a sharps disposal box near you (call 2-1-1)
    • Place sharps in a thick plastic container with lid & tape shut and dispose of in trash.

  104. Instrument strings (used), metal

    Expect fees

    • CVSWMD's facility for hard-to-recycle materials and hazardous waste.

      Not open due to construction. Please check our website for updates.

      (802) 229-9383

    • You can dispose of this item in your regular trash

  105. Instrument strings (used), nylon or other

    Expect fees

    • You can dispose of this item in your regular trash

  106. iPods, MP3 and music players

    Expect fees
    Landfill banned item

    • CVSWMD's facility for hard-to-recycle materials and hazardous waste.

      Not open due to construction. Please check our website for updates.

      (802) 229-9383

    • Staples will recycle used toner cartridges, pens, crayons, markers, pencils and much more.

  107. Irons

    Expect fees

    • CVSWMD's facility for hard-to-recycle materials and hazardous waste.

      Not open due to construction. Please check our website for updates.

      (802) 229-9383

    • You can dispose of this item in your regular trash

  109. Junk mail

    Expect fees
    Landfill banned item

    • You can put these items in your regular recycling.

  117. Light bulbs/lamps, incandescent, halogen, LED, UV (no neon)

    Expect fees

    • CVSWMD's facility for hard-to-recycle materials and hazardous waste.

      Not open due to construction. Please check our website for updates.

      (802) 229-9383

    • You can dispose of this item in your regular trash

  118. Lighting fixtures

    Expect fees

  119. Luggage

    Expect fees

    Staples in Williston is accepting luggage. The Barre location is not currently accepting any. Barre Resource store accepts luggage in good condition only.

    • Staples will recycle used toner cartridges, pens, crayons, markers, pencils and much more.

    • You can dispose of this item in your regular trash

  120. Magazines

    Landfill banned item
    • Local schools (for art projects)

      Contact your local schools.

    • You can put these items in your regular recycling.

  122. Masks, Face

    • You can dispose of this item in your regular trash

  124. Media-players, e-readers

    Expect fees
    Landfill banned item

    • CVSWMD's facility for hard-to-recycle materials and hazardous waste.

      Not open due to construction. Please check our website for updates.

      (802) 229-9383

    • Staples will recycle used toner cartridges, pens, crayons, markers, pencils and much more.

  125. Medical equipment and supplies - walkers, toilet stands, crutches, wheelchairs, CPAP, etc.

    Expect fees

     

    • Med Shed

      Volunteers, Raymond and Sue Toolan run The Med Shed in Montpelier, which accepts and donates used medical equipment.

      sylak@comcast.net

      (802) 229-0093

  126. Medical waste

    • Local hospital

      Contact your local hospital. Many hospitals have medication drop boxes and sharps disposal bins.

  127. Medications, prescriptions, and pharmaceutical drugs and pills

  128. Mercury (liquid, loose, broken mercury-containing products)

    Expect fees
    Landfill banned item

    Visit the Environmental Protection Agency website for information on safely cleaning up a mercury spill: 

    What to Do if a Mercury Thermometer Breaks | US EPA

  130. Mercury-containing devices, unbroken (thermometers, switches, relays, sensors)

    Expect fees
    Landfill banned item

    • CVSWMD's facility for hard-to-recycle materials and hazardous waste.

      Not open due to construction. Please check our website for updates.

      (802) 229-9383

  131. Metal cans

    Landfill banned item

    • CVSWMD's facility for hard-to-recycle materials and hazardous waste.

      Not open due to construction. Please check our website for updates.

      (802) 229-9383

    • You can put these items in your regular recycling.

    • Consumers may bring any empty containers that were purchased in Vermont and carry the Vermont redemption message to a Certified Redemption Center. Certified Redemption Centers must accept all covered beverage containers that are clean and unbroken. 

  132. Metal roofing and siding

    Expect fees

    Smaller than 4’x4’

    Larger than 4’x4'

  134. Mothballs (paradichlorobenzene)

    Expect fees
    Landfill banned item

    Tip: to repel or kill moths, consider using alternatives safer for humans and pets, such as clothes moth traps, cedar or lavender essential oil, or cedar planks instead!

  135. Motor oil

    Expect fees
    Landfill banned item

    Call your local auto parts stores or repair shops to see if they accept used motor oil for free. 

    Empty containers for hazardous products (i.e. household cleaners, automotive fluids, pesticides, herbicides)  are trash (NOT recyclable). Use all of the product, do not rinse.

  137. Newspaper

    Expect fees
    Landfill banned item

    • You can put these items in your regular recycling.

  139. Packing materials: peanuts, Styrofoam or starch

    Expect fees
    • Contact your local shipping business: UPS, FedEx, etc. to donate
    • Donate to local business or through FPF or Craigslist
    • Recycle through Terracycle
    • Trash

    • CVSWMD's facility for hard-to-recycle materials and hazardous waste.

      Not open due to construction. Please check our website for updates.

      (802) 229-9383

    • Office/Mailing stores

      Check with your local office and/or mailing stores to see if they will accept packing materials for reuse.

    • Shipping businesses

      Contact your local shipping businesses to see if they accept these materials.

    • You can dispose of this item in your regular trash

  140. Packing peanuts

    Expect fees
    • Contact your local shipping business: UPS, FedEx, etc.
    • Donate to local business or through FPF or Craigslist

     

    • Shipping businesses

      Contact your local shipping businesses to see if they accept these materials.

    • You can dispose of this item in your regular trash

  145. Paper

    Expect fees
    Landfill banned item

    • You can put these items in your regular recycling.

  146. Paper bags

    Expect fees
    Landfill banned item

    • You can put these items in your regular recycling.

  148. Pens, crayons, markers, pencils and other school/office supplies

    Expect fees

    • Staples will recycle used toner cartridges, pens, crayons, markers, pencils and much more.

    • You can dispose of this item in your regular trash

  149. Personal electronics (GPS Units, cameras, Mp3 players, etc.)

    Expect fees
    Landfill banned item

    • CVSWMD's facility for hard-to-recycle materials and hazardous waste.

      Not open due to construction. Please check our website for updates.

      (802) 229-9383

    • Staples will recycle used toner cartridges, pens, crayons, markers, pencils and much more.

  150. Phone books

    Expect fees
    Landfill banned item

    • You can put these items in your regular recycling.

  151. Phones, cell

    Landfill banned item

  152. Phones, landline

    Expect fees
    Landfill banned item

    • CVSWMD's facility for hard-to-recycle materials and hazardous waste.

      Not open due to construction. Please check our website for updates.

      (802) 229-9383

    • You can dispose of this item in your regular trash

  153. Pizza boxes

    Expect fees
    Landfill banned item
    • Regular recycling
    • No stuck-on food (grease is okay) – regular recycling
    • With food residue - trash, home composting, wood stove kindling

    • You can put these items in your regular recycling.

  155. Plastic containers, bottles, and jugs (non-black)

    Landfill banned item

    Blue Bin Recycling:  #1, 2, 4, and 5, bigger than 2x2 inches 

    Trash: #3, 6, and 7, smaller than 2x2 inches, and black plastic 

    Empty containers for hazardous products (household cleaners, automotive fluids, pesticides, herbicides) are trash (NOT recyclable). Use all of the product, do not rinse.

    • You can put these items in your regular recycling.

  156. Plastic film, stretchy - clean & dry #2 & #4 (bags, bubble wrap, shipping envelopes, shrink wrap, etc.)

    Expect fees

    Make sure plastic bags and recyclable plastic films are clean and dry prior to recycling at a participating plastic bag drop-off site. Reuse plastic bags and/or switch to reusable bags.

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

    • ​Produce bags (not compostable)
    • Bread bags (no paper, not crinkly)
    • Dry cleaning bags
    • Carry-out bags
    • Case wrap
    • Stretch film
    • Newspaper bags
    • Ziplocs and "baggies" food storage bags
    • Product overwrap (plastic wrap for toilet paper, etc)

  157. Poisons, pesticides, insecticides, fungicides

    Expect fees
    Landfill banned item

    Empty containers for hazardous products such as household cleaners, automotive fluids, pesticides, and herbicides should be placed in the trash (NOT recyclable). Use all of the product, do not rinse.

  159. Prescription pill, vitamin, and supplement bottles, less than 2"x2"

    Expect fees

    • You can dispose of this item in your regular trash

  160. Printer, copier, toner, ink cartridges

    • Staples will recycle used toner cartridges, pens, crayons, markers, pencils and much more.

    • You can dispose of this item in your regular trash

  162. Propane tanks

    Expect fees
    Landfill banned item

  167. Rigid Can Carriers, beer or soda (aka hard plastic 4 or 6 pack holders)

    Expect fees

    Hunger Mountain Co-op accepts these.

    • You can dispose of this item in your regular trash

  172. Shoes, clean, dry, and in pairs

    Expect fees

  174. Ski and snowboard equipment

    Expect fees
    • Top quality items can be sold for about 20-50% of what you paid for it. Contact Power Play Sports in Morrisville for more details.  
    • Contact your local Ski Swap organizer (often the Rec. Dept) to learn how to consign your useful gear with them.

  175. Small kitchen appliances

    Expect fees

    • CVSWMD's facility for hard-to-recycle materials and hazardous waste.

      Not open due to construction. Please check our website for updates.

      (802) 229-9383

  176. Smoke detectors

    Expect fees

    • CVSWMD's facility for hard-to-recycle materials and hazardous waste.

      Not open due to construction. Please check our website for updates.

      (802) 229-9383

    • You can dispose of this item in your regular trash

  177. Solar Panels

    Expect fees

    See DEC guidance for the diversion of solar panels from the waste stream.

  179. Speakers, stereos and stereo systems

    Expect fees
    Landfill banned item

    • CVSWMD's facility for hard-to-recycle materials and hazardous waste.

      Not open due to construction. Please check our website for updates.

      (802) 229-9383

    • Staples will recycle used toner cartridges, pens, crayons, markers, pencils and much more.

  189. Toothbrushes, empty toothpaste tubes, dental floss containers

    Expect fees

    • You can dispose of this item in your regular trash

  191. Tyvek

    Expect fees

    • You can dispose of this item in your regular trash

    • Tyvek Recycle

      Mail Tyvek to: Tyvek Recycle, 337A Industrial Drive, Petersburg, VA 23803. Please remove all adhesives and staples before shipping. 

      For info: call 804-518-2930 and ask for Tyvek Recycles.

       

      (804) 518-2930

  192. Untreated wood and pallets

    Expect fees

  195. VCRs

    Expect fees
    Landfill banned item

    • CVSWMD's facility for hard-to-recycle materials and hazardous waste.

      Not open due to construction. Please check our website for updates.

      (802) 229-9383

  196. VHS tapes

    Expect fees

    • You can dispose of this item in your regular trash

  197. Vinyl records

    Expect fees

    • You can dispose of this item in your regular trash

  198. Water coolers, household

    Expect fees
    Landfill banned item

    • CVSWMD's facility for hard-to-recycle materials and hazardous waste.

      Not open due to construction. Please check our website for updates.

      (802) 229-9383

  200. Windows and doors

  202. Wood ash

    Expect fees
    • Scatter widely on the land or use in place of sand on icy walkways.
    • Trash (no coals)

    • You can dispose of this item in your regular trash

  204. Ziploc food storage plastic bags

    Expect fees

    Only recycle if  clean and dry at a participating drop-off site. Reuse plastic bags and/or switch to reusable bags.

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

    • ​Produce bags (not compostable)
    • Bread bags (no paper, not crinkly)
    • Dry cleaning bags
    • Carry-out bags
    • Case wrap
    • Stretch film
    • Newspaper bags
    • Ziplocs and "baggies" food storage bags
    • Product overwrap (plastic wrap for toilet paper, etc)

    • You can dispose of this item in your regular trash

Hazards you should be careful with

  • Household Hazardous Waste

    Hazard waste symbols

    Household Hazardous Waste includes many common products that are poisonous, reactive, flammable, or toxic and are banned from the landfill. They harmful humans and the environment. Look for words like Caution, Danger, Warning, Poison or Flammable. Keep cool, dry, and out of reach of children and pets. Never pour them down the drain or outside.

    For a fee, Residents in CVSWMD’s member towns can dispose of these items at our annual Household Haz-Waste Collections or by appointment at our Eco Depot, when it opens. Vermont residents may also schedule an appointment at the Chittenden Environmental Depot. 

    • Aerosol cans, not empty, toxics (pesticides, paint, solvents, etc.)
    • Ammonia
    • Antifreeze, coolant, and glycol
    • Automotive fluids - transmission, gear, crankcase, and motor oil
    • Bleach and bleach-based products
    • Broken fluorescent bulbs and CFLs
    • Cleaning products, hazardous (oven and toilet cleaners, drain openers, etc.)
    • Fertilizers, chemical
    • Flammable liquids
    • Fuel and fuel mixes
    • Gasoline and gas/oil mixtures
    • Hydraulic fluids
    • Kerosene
    • Light bulbs/lamps, Fluorescent, broken
    • Mercury (liquid, loose, broken mercury-containing products)
    • Mothballs (paradichlorobenzene)
    • Motor oil
    • Oil filters
    • Paint (automotive, non-architectural, not household)
    • Poisons, pesticides, insecticides, fungicides
    • Solvents (paint thinner, laquer thinner, acetone)

  • Mercury

    mercury thermostats

    Mercury is a shiny, silver liquid that evaporates into a colorless, odorless vapor. It is highly toxic and is found in many products including fluorescent bulbs and old thermostats and thermometers. Handle these items carefully to avoid breaks or releasing the mercury. These items should never go in the trash. Dispose of intact fluorescent bulbs at a location near you. Mercury thermostats are free to dispose of, where other devices containing mercury cost a small fee to dispose of. Learn more about mercury devices here. 

    Broken fluorescent bulbs should be handled carefully, and should be brought to the Eco Depot or a household haz-waste collection.  

    • Broken fluorescent bulbs and CFLs
    • Light bulbs/lamps, fluorescent, intact
    • Mercury thermostats, unbroken
    • Mercury-containing devices, unbroken (thermometers, switches, relays, sensors)

  • E-waste

    E-Stack

    Electronic waste is landfill-banned because it contains heavy metals and toxins, and has valuable components. Some electronic waste, specifically: TV's, computers+ (desktop printers, drives, mice, keyboards, routers, modems, speakers) are FREE to recycle through the VT Extended Producer Responsibility programs. Fees apply for other electronic waste, like phones, ipods, MP3s and tablets. Bring E-waste to the Eco Depot, or find a recycling location here.

    • Computer monitors, any type - CRTs, flat-panel, LCD, and plasma displays
    • Computer peripherals - mouse, keyboards, scanners, external hard drives, modems, routers, computer speakers
    • Computers, desktops, laptops, notebooks, and netbooks
    • Personal electronics (GPS Units, cameras, Mp3 players, etc.)
    • Printers, desktop
    • Televisions, TVs, CRTs, flat-panel, LCD, and plasma displays, tablets

  • Batteries

    batteries

    Batteries are landfill-banned in Vermont. Some, including batteries embedded in rechargeable electronic devices, can catch fire and explode if handled or stored improperly. Tape the terminal ends of used Lithium household batteries with clear packing tape, and bring them to a collection center to be recycled for free through VT's EPR program, Call2Recycle.

    • Batteries, household (single use & rechargeable, automotive-lead acid, marine/boat)
    • Batteries, large Lithium Ion (electric car, industrial, solar system)
    • Batteries, lithium-ion, damaged or swollen
    • Computers, desktops, laptops, notebooks, and netbooks
    • Covid-19 Home Test Kits
    • Hand and power tools
    • iPods, MP3 and music players
    • Phones, cell
    • Vacuum cleaners
    • Vape pens and cartridges

  • Smoke detectors

    smoke detector

    Some smoke detectors and combo smoke/CO detectors contain radioactive material, Americium 241. Look on the unit for (i), ionizing, radioactive or Am 241. Single purpose Carbon monoxide (CO) detectors are not radioactive. Smoke and CO detectors with removable batteries can be trashed, or you may bring them to the Eco Depot (fees apply).

    • Smoke detectors

  • Flammable or Explosive

    flammable/explosive symbols

    This item is flammable or explosive and must be handled carefully and disposed of properly.

    • Ammunition
    • Fertilizers, chemical
    • Fireworks and explosives
    • Flammable liquids
    • Fuel and fuel mixes
    • Gasoline and gas/oil mixtures
    • Helium tanks (emptied)
    • Kerosene
    • Motor oil
    • Propane tanks
    • Rags, oily
    • Solvents (paint thinner, laquer thinner, acetone)

  • Asbestos

    Asbestos is a hazardous material and must be handled and disposed of carefully. It was used in some types of building materials and can be dangerous if disturbed during construction and demolition projects. Learn more about the dangers of asbestos exposure here.  

    Contact the VT ANR (802)-863-7236 or 800-439-8550) for a list of licensed asbestos abatement contractors or find an asbestos contractor here. Contact the VT Department of Health Lead and Asbestos Program (802-865-7784 or 800-439-8550) for assistance with health concerns about asbestos.

     

    • Asbestos, asbestos-containing materials

Special Instructions

  • 2x2 Rule

    Do NOT put items smaller than 2x2 inches or larger than 2x2 feet in the blue bin.

    • Beer bottle caps
    • Plastic bins and totes
    • Plastic containers, bottles, and jugs (non-black)
    • Prescription pill, vitamin, and supplement bottles, greater than 2"x2"
    • Tape dispensers and cores

  • Foil

    Collect and ball up clean aluminum foil until it is at least 2 x 2 inches (~ a tennis ball) then recycle it in the blue bin.

    • Aluminum: cans, pie plates, foil, siding, etc. (smaller than 4x4 feet)

  • Safer Choices - Cleaning Products

    Third Party Certifications

    Protect your health by avoiding cleaning chemicals that cause asthma, cancer and other problems. Learn to identify safer options or make non-toxic cleaning products.

    • Aerosol cans, not empty, toxics (pesticides, paint, solvents, etc.)
    • Ammonia
    • Bleach and bleach-based products
    • Cleaning products, hazardous (oven and toilet cleaners, drain openers, etc.)
    • Pump heads and spray triggers

  • Reduce Your Use – Architectural Paints and Stains

    Plan a paint job in order to buy only what you need. Recycle unused architectural paint, stain and finish for Free at an outlet near you. Empty paint cans or cans of hardened paint can go in the trash.

    • Paint and primers, stains (architectural), deck and concrete sealers, clear finishes (oil-based, latex, varnish, shellac), labelled in original cans
    • Paint cans, empty, metal
    • Paint cans, empty, plastic

  • Reduce Your Use – Poisons

    Poison

    Poisons (pesticides: herbicides, insecticides, fungicides) harm humans and animals. Reduce your need for pesticides by controlling conditions to discourage pests or weeds. Look into Integrated Pest Management Practices (IPM). Store poisons away from children, pets and water sources, and make sure to dispose of them at a household hazardous waste collection or by appointment, at the Eco Depot.

    • Fertilizers, chemical
    • Poisons, pesticides, insecticides, fungicides

  • Packing Materials

    Donate clean packing materials to office or mailing stores or local businesses or put on Front Porch Forum. 

    • Packing materials: peanuts, Styrofoam or starch
    • Packing peanuts
    • Styrofoam blocks and packaging

  • Paper, shredded

    Shredded paper must be recycled in a clear, tied bag. Bring it to a transfer station and learn where they want it.

    • Documents for shredding
    • Shredded paper (in clear bag)

  • Pellet stove bags

    pellet bag

    To prepare pellet stove bags for recycling: cut open three sides, shake out debris, and flatten. These can be taken to the Eco Depot for recycling.

    • Pellet stove bags

  • Pill/Vitamin bottles

    If pill bottles are larger than 2"x2", recycle in blue bin.

    Ship in bulk to the Matthew 25: Ministries to give to developing countries. Make sure bottles are:

    • empty
    • clean
    • label removed
    • securely recapped
    • Prescription pill, vitamin, and supplement bottles, greater than 2"x2"

  • Pizza boxes

    Pizza boxes that are free of food residue can be recycled. A bit of grease is okay.

    • Pizza boxes

  • Plastic film, stretchy - clean & dry #2 & #4 (bags, bubble wrap, shipping envelopes, shrink wrap, etc.)

    Not blue bin recyclable. Only recycle Clean, Dry plastic bags plastic films (LDPE #2 and #4) at a drop-off site. Reuse plastic bags and/or to switch to using reusable bags.

    These items can be recycled (must be stretchy, not crinkly):

    • ​Produce bags (not compostable)
    • Bread bags (no paper, not crinkly)
    • Dry cleaning bags
    • Carry-out bags
    • Case and Product overwrap (plastic wrap for toilet paper, etc)
    • Stretch film
    • Newspaper bags
    • Ziplocs and "baggies" food storage bags
    • Bubble wrap and all-plastic mailers
    • Ziploc food storage plastic bags

  • Styrofoam

    • Not recyclable in Vermont
    • Reuse or donate packing peanuts
    • Sometimes stores will take back styrofoam packaging
    • Use reusable alternatives when possible (e.g. cups, coolers, containers)
    • Packing peanuts
    • Styrofoam blocks and packaging

  • Textiles

    The Eco Depot does not take rags, curtains or blankets. Donate nice fabric. Use worn textiles as rags. Or donate clean, dry textiles in a bag labeled "not usable" to: Salvation Army,7 Martin Dr, West Lebanon, NH,  (603) 298-8724 to be sent to a floor mat manufacturer.

    • Fabric and textiles, bedding, table cloths, curtains, rags, etc.

  • Tyvek

    DuPont Tyvek is high-density polyethylene (HDPE). It can be recycled through their program. Recycle small quantities (> 25 envelopes/month), invert any Tyvek envelope, so the unprinted white is outside. Fill it with other Tyvek envelopes for recycling.

    • Tyvek

  • Catalogs

    1) Contact companies and ask to be removed from mailing list if unwanted.

    2) Go to Catalog Choice (https://www.catalogchoice.org) and register for the catalogs you do and don’t want to receive.

    3) Remove your name from most national direct marketing lists:

    •  Register online with the Direct Marketing Association’s (DMA) Mail Preference Service or
    • Send a written request with your name and as it appears on all catalog labels and a $3 processing fee to: DMAchoice, Data & Marketing Association P.O. Box 643, Carmel, NY 10512
    • Catalogs
    • Junk mail
    • Magazines

  • Black plastic

    Black plastics are not recyclable in Vermont. Trash hard plastic if it is made of or contains black plastic.

    • Cases, all types of plastic CD/DVD, video & audio tape
    • Flower pots, plant pots, plastic (non-black)

  • Drywall

    Drywall (if in large enough piece, clean, unpainted and reusable) may be donated to ReSource or put on Front Porch Forum.

    • Sheetrock, drywall, and gypsum board

  • Tanglers

    Keep these items out of regular recycling. They clog up the recycling machinery:

    • cords
    • fabric
    • plastic bags
    • rope
    • wire
    • Bicycle tubes
    • Clothing, sheets, towels, footwear, hats, gloves, belts, scarves, jewelry & soft bags
    • Cords, cables, adaptors, and electrical wires
    • Fabric and textiles, bedding, table cloths, curtains, rags, etc.
    • Holiday string lights, Christmas lights
    • Instrument strings (unused), metal, nylon, or other
    • Instrument strings (used), metal
    • Instrument strings (used), nylon or other
    • Phones, landline
    • Rags, oily
    • Tyvek
    • Wire

  • Rinse your Recyclables

    Rinse Recycling

    Before putting your recyclables in the bin, rinse off food residue. Gunk makes it trash and contaminates other items. Recycling employees will thank you.

    • Aluminum: cans, pie plates, foil, siding, etc. (smaller than 4x4 feet)
    • Glass bottles and Jars, Unbroken
    • Metal cans
    • Plastic containers, bottles, and jugs (non-black)
    • Steel cans

  • Broken fluorescent bulbs and CFLs

    Fluorescent lamps contain mercury (Hg), which is highly toxic to people and wildlife. If a fluorescent bulb, follow these instructions from the Vermont Department of Health:

    • DO NOT VACUUM OR SWEEP up the broken lamp, as this will spread mercury vapor to other rooms and contaminate the vacuum.
    • Keep people and pets away from the breakage area.
    • Close off and Ventilate the room and evacuate the room for at least 15 minutes.
    • Remove all bulb materials you can, and don’t use a vacuum cleaner.
      • 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
    • Place all cleanup materials (cardboard, gloves, tape, etc.) into a 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.

    • Broken fluorescent bulbs and CFLs

  • Lawn mowers, gas-powered

    Gas-powered lawn mowers or other lawn equipment, must be drained of all fluids before being recycled at a metals recycler. 

    • Lawn mower, gas powered, push mower (fluids drained)

  • Manage hazardous products containers

    Empty containers for hazardous products (i.e. cleaners, automotive fluids, pesticides, solvents) are trash (NOT recyclable). Use all of the product, do not rinse.

    If any amount of the original product remains in the container, bring to a Household Hazardous Waste Collection. or, by appointment, the Eco Depot.

    If you are unsure whether the product is hazardous, visit our What is Hazardous Waste page for examples.

    • Aerosol cans, empty, toxics (pesticides, paint, solvents, etc.)
    • Hazardous chemical containers, empty (used motor oil, bleach, cleaners, disinfectants, pesticides, etc.)

  • Hearing aids

    Before donating or disposing of hearing aids, remove and recycle batteries for FREE. Find a battery recycling outlet or use the Eco Depot.

    • Hearing aids, batteries removed

  • Vermont Prescription Drug Disposal

    Store your prescription medications in a locked medicine cabinet. 

    Dispose of prescription medications at a pharmacy, hospital, clinic or police station drop box. Find a map of drop off locations or request a pre-paid envelope for unused medications. 

    • Medications, prescriptions, and pharmaceutical drugs and pills

  • Purchase reusable products

    Consider purchasing reusable products instead of disposable!

    • Baby food squeeze pouches

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.

  • Batteries, household (single use & rechargeable, automotive-lead acid, marine/boat)
  • Phones, cell
  • Computers, desktops, laptops, notebooks, and netbooks
  • Printers, desktop
  • Computer monitors, any type - CRTs, flat-panel, LCD, and plasma displays
  • Mercury thermostats, unbroken
  • Paint and primers, stains (architectural), deck and concrete sealers, clear finishes (oil-based, latex, varnish, shellac), labelled in original cans
  • Televisions, TVs, CRTs, flat-panel, LCD, and plasma displays, tablets
  • Computer peripherals - mouse, keyboards, scanners, external hard drives, modems, routers, computer speakers
  • Light bulbs/lamps, fluorescent, intact
  • Batteries, large Lithium (Li or Li-ion) (E-bike, E-lawnmower, E-chainsaw, etc.)