All Items

Special Indicators:

Expected Fees Landfill Banned Item Hazard Consider Changing Up Special Recycling

  3. Aerosol cans, not empty, toxics (pesticides, paint, solvents, etc.)

    Expect fees
    Landfill banned item

  7. Ammunition

    Landfill banned item
    • Local gun shop

      Contact your local gun shop. Some gun shops will accept old ammunition and dispose of it for you.

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

    Expect fees
    Landfill banned item

  12. Asbestos, asbestos-containing materials

    Expect fees
    Landfill banned item

    • Asbestos is a hazardous materials (both friable and non-friable) and must be handled and disposed of carefully. Contact the Vermont Agency of Natural Resources (802-863-7236, or toll-free in Vermont 800-439-8550) for a list of licensed asbestos abatement contractors. Contact the Vermont Department of Health Lead and Asbestos Program (802-865-7784 or 800-439-8550) for assistance with health concerns about asbestos.

      (802) 863-7236

  14. Asphalt shingles, new, reusable

    Expect fees
    Landfill banned item

  15. Asphalt shingles, nonreusable

    Expect fees

  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 should be disposed of as trash.

    • Some items may be donated to local organizations or groups. Check with local organizations or consider posting your items on Front Porch Forum.

    • The Baby Product Exchange collects and provides durable baby equipment and supplies to families in need through partner referrals and community donations. They accept a variety of gently used items for reuse throughout Vermont. Please see their website for details on accepted materials and donation criteria. 

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

    Items for infant and toddler care. Damaged or unusable items should be disposed of as trash.

    • Some items may be donated to local organizations or groups. Check with local organizations or consider posting your items on Front Porch Forum.

    • The Baby Product Exchange collects and provides durable baby equipment and supplies to families in need through partner referrals and community donations. They accept a variety of gently used items for reuse throughout Vermont. Please see their website for details on accepted materials and donation criteria. 

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

    Landfill banned item

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

    Expect fees
    Landfill banned item

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

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

  28. Beer bottle caps

    Expect fees

  29. Bicycle tubes

    Expect fees
    • Ask your local bike shop if they have a collection program.
    • Alchemy Goods has a national recycling program through participating bike shops.

    • 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

  32. Books, hardcover

    Expect fees

  33. Books, paperback

    Expect fees

    • Some items may be donated to local organizations or groups. Check with local organizations or consider posting your items on Front Porch Forum.

  34. Boxboard

    Expect fees
    Landfill banned item

    • You can dispose of these items in your regular recycling.

  36. Brita filters and packaging

    Expect fees

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

    • TerraCycle offers many programs for recycling certain products and materials. Check out their website to learn more!

      1 (866) 846-7786

    • You can dispose of this item in your regular trash

  37. Broken fluorescent bulbs and CFLs

    Expect fees
    Landfill banned item

  38. Building materials

    Expect fees

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

  39. 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 Additional Recyclables Collection Center. 

  40. 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 dispose of these items in your regular recycling.

  41. Car seats, infant and toddler

    Expect fees
    • May not be donated for reuse for safety reasons. Disassemble and recycle or dispose of components.
    • Recycle through Target’s car seat trade-in event to receive 20% coupon for a new car seat. 

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

    Expect fees

    • You can dispose of this item in your regular trash

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

    Expect fees

    • GreenDisk has multiple mail-in recycling programs - check out their website to learn more!

      425-392-8700

    • You can dispose of this item in your regular trash

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

    Expect fees

    Staples accepts CDs & DVDs for recycling

    • GreenDisk has multiple mail-in recycling programs - check out their website to learn more!

      425-392-8700

    • TerraCycle offers many programs for recycling certain products and materials. Check out their website to learn more!

      1 (866) 846-7786

    • You can dispose of this item in your regular trash

  46. Catalogs

    Landfill banned item

    • You can dispose of these items in your regular recycling.

  49. Ceramic toilets, sinks, and fixtures

    Expect fees

  50. Chip and popcorn bags

    Expect fees

    • You can dispose of this item in your regular trash

  52. Christmas trees, real

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

    • Some transfer stations accept leaf and yard waste. Follow the link to learn more and find a drop-off near you. Leaf and yard waste can also be composted safely if you have the space to do it in your yard.

    • Public Works Facility

      Some public works facilities accept clean wood waste and/or stumps

    • Some transfer stations in Vermont accept stumps and clean wood debris from landscaping activites.

    • Vermont Compost is a commercial composting facility. They accept food scraps at their drop off site in Montpelier and sell compost for domestic use.

      (802) 223-6049

  53. Cigarette butts

    Expect fees

    • You can dispose of this item in your regular trash

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

    Expect fees
    Landfill banned item

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

    Expect fees
    Landfill banned item

  56. 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.

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

    Expect fees

    GreenDisk has a mail-in recycling program

    • GreenDisk has multiple mail-in recycling programs - check out their website to learn more!

      425-392-8700

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

    • TerraCycle offers many programs for recycling certain products and materials. Check out their website to learn more!

      1 (866) 846-7786

    • You can dispose of this item in your regular trash

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

    Landfill banned item

  61. Concrete and masonry

    Expect fees

  62. Construction and demolition debris

    Expect fees
    Landfill banned item

  65. Corks, natural and artificial

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

    • TerraCycle offers many programs for recycling certain products and materials. Check out their website to learn more!

      1 (866) 846-7786

    • You can dispose of this item in your regular trash

  67. 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

  70. Dimensional lumber, wood boards

    Expect fees

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

    Expect fees

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

    • TerraCycle offers many programs for recycling certain products and materials. Check out their website to learn more!

      1 (866) 846-7786

    • You can dispose of this item in your regular trash

  73. Egg cartons, paper

    Landfill banned item

  74. Egg cartons, plastic

    Expect fees
    Landfill banned item

    • Some items may be donated to local organizations or groups. Check with local organizations or consider posting your items on Front Porch Forum.

    • You can dispose of these items in your regular recycling.

  75. Egg cartons, styrofoam

    Expect fees

    • You can dispose of this item in your regular trash

  76. Eyeglasses

    Expect fees

    • Some items may be donated to local organizations or groups. Check with local organizations or consider posting your items on Front Porch Forum.

    • 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.

    • TerraCycle offers many programs for recycling certain products and materials. Check out their website to learn more!

      1 (866) 846-7786

    • You can dispose of this item in your regular trash

  77. Fabric and textiles, bedding, table cloths, linens, curtains, rags, etc.

    Expect fees

    • Some items may be donated to local organizations or groups. Check with local organizations or consider posting your items on Front Porch Forum.

    • You can dispose of this item in your regular trash

  83. Flower pots, plant pots, ceramic or clay

    Expect fees

    • Some items may be donated to local organizations or groups. Check with local organizations or consider posting your items on Front Porch Forum.

    • You can dispose of this item in your regular trash

  84. 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.

    • Some items may be donated to local organizations or groups. Check with local organizations or consider posting your items on Front Porch Forum.

    • You can dispose of these items in your regular recycling.

    • You can dispose of this item in your regular trash

  85. Food for donation

    • There are a number of organizations that accept food donations. Please contact the organizations beforehand. When donating food, it is important to remember that the donation is for human consumption and needs to be handled accordingly. If food looks or smells bad, is moldy, or has damaged packaging do not donate it – compost it!

  86. Food grade cooking oil

    Expect fees
    Landfill banned item

  87. Food scraps, food waste

    Expect fees
    Landfill banned item

  89. Furniture, couches, sofas, recliners, etc.

    Expect fees

  92. 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

  93. Gift wrap, wrapping paper, plain only

    Expect fees

    • You can dispose of these items in your regular recycling.

  94. Glass Bottles and Jars, Broken

    • You can dispose of this item in your regular trash

  96. Glassware and ceramics

    Expect fees

    • Some items may be donated to local organizations or groups. Check with local organizations or consider posting your items on Front Porch Forum.

    • You can dispose of this item in your regular trash

  103. 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.
    • Sharps collection box against outside wall of the building between ARCC and Cumberland Farms gas station.
    • 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 (unused), metal, nylon, or other

    Expect fees

    Can be donated to:

    • You can dispose of this item in your regular trash

  106. Instrument strings (used), nylon or other

    Expect fees

    • You can dispose of this item in your regular trash

  110. Junk mail

    Expect fees
    Landfill banned item

    • You can dispose of these items in your regular recycling.

  112. Lawn mower, gas powered, push mower (fluids drained)

    Expect fees

  119. Lighting fixtures

    Expect fees

  120. 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

  121. Magazines

    Landfill banned item
    • Local schools (for art projects)

      Contact your local schools.

    • You can dispose of these items in your regular recycling.

  123. Masks, Face

    • You can dispose of this item in your regular trash

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

    Expect fees

     

    • Med Shed

      Raymond and Sue Toolan run The Med Shed, a voluntary service in Montpelier that acquires and loans used medical equipment for community members at no cost.

      sylak@comcast.net

      (802) 229-0093

  127. Medical waste

    • Local hospital

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

  128. Medications, prescriptions, and pharmaceutical drugs and pills

    • Central VT Medical Center inside main entryway.
    • Contact your local clinic. Many have medication drop boxes and sharps disposal bins.
    • Barre Police Department inside the lobby. 
    • The VT Department of Health offers mail-in and maintains a map of medication disposal sites.

  129. 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

  132. Metal cans

    Landfill banned item

  133. Metal roofing and siding

    Expect fees

    Smaller than 4’x4’

    Larger than 4’x4'

  135. 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!

  136. Motor oil

    Expect fees
    Landfill banned item

    Many auto parts stores and auto repair shops will take used motor oil - please call your local store to see if they will take it! 

    • Autozone has several locations that offer free oil recycling
    • O’Reilly Auto Parts has several locations that offer free oil & oil filter recycling 

  137. Musical instruments

    Can be donated to:


     

    • Some items may be donated to local organizations or groups. Check with local organizations or consider posting your items on Front Porch Forum.

  138. Newspaper

    Expect fees
    Landfill banned item

    • You can dispose of these items in your regular recycling.

  140. Packing materials: peanuts, Styrofoam or starch

    Expect fees
    • Contact your local shipping business: UPS, FedEx, etc. to donate
    • Donate or sell through FPF or Craigslist
    • If starch-based, soak in warm water to dissolve 
    • Recycle through Terracycle
    • Trash
    • 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.

    • TerraCycle offers many programs for recycling certain products and materials. Check out their website to learn more!

      1 (866) 846-7786

    • You can dispose of this item in your regular trash

  145. Paper

    Expect fees
    Landfill banned item

    • You can dispose of these items in your regular recycling.

  146. Paper bags

    Expect fees
    Landfill banned item

    • You can dispose of 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.

    • TerraCycle offers many programs for recycling certain products and materials. Check out their website to learn more!

      1 (866) 846-7786

    • You can dispose of this item in your regular trash

  150. Phone books

    Expect fees
    Landfill banned item

    • You can dispose of these items in your regular recycling.

  151. Phones, cell

    Landfill banned item

  153. Pizza boxes

    Expect fees
    Landfill banned item

    Frozen 

    •  Regular recycling

    Restaurant

    • No stuck-on food (grease is okay) – regular recycling 
    • With food residue - trash, home composting, wood stove kindling

    • You can dispose of these items in your regular recycling.

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

    Landfill banned item

    Plastics #1, 2, 4, and 5 greater than 2 inches can go in your blue bin recycling. 

    Plastics #3, 6, and 7 and black plastic containers go in the trash. 

    • You can dispose of 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 (LDPE #2 and #4) are clean and dry prior to recycling at a participating plastic bag drop-off site. We encourage you to reuse plastic bags and to switch to using reusable bags instead.

    The following plastic film 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)

    See details here.

  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

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

    Expect fees

    Hunger Mountain Co-op will take these.

    • You can dispose of this item in your regular trash

  170. Shaving razors, blades, and packaging

    Expect fees

    Plastic shaving razors belong in the trash.

    Shavers over 50% metal can be recycled as scrap metal at the Additional Recyclables Collection Center.

  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.

  177. Solvents (paint thinner, laquer thinner, acetone)

    Expect fees
    Landfill banned item

  182. Styrofoam or starch peanuts

    Expect fees
    • If starch-based, soak in warm water to dissolve 
    • Contact your local shipping business: UPS, FedEx, etc.
    • Donate or sell through FPF or Craigslist

     

    • Some items may be donated to local organizations or groups. Check with local organizations or consider posting your items on Front Porch Forum.

    • Shipping businesses

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

    • TerraCycle offers many programs for recycling certain products and materials. Check out their website to learn more!

      1 (866) 846-7786

    • You can dispose of this item in your regular trash

  183. Tape dispensers and cores

    Expect fees
    • If the tape core is cardboard, put it in your regular recycling 

    • Some items may be donated to local organizations or groups. Check with local organizations or consider posting your items on Front Porch Forum.

    • TerraCycle offers many programs for recycling certain products and materials. Check out their website to learn more!

      1 (866) 846-7786

    • You can dispose of this item in your regular trash

  186. Tires, car and passenger truck

    Expect fees
    Landfill banned item
    • Wheels for Warmth annual autumn collection event, Middlesex, VT
    • Have your mechanic/tire shop dispose of your old tires when purchasing new ones. All tire retailers will take scrap tires, typically for $3-5/tire
    • Vermont DEC tire recycling/reuse suggestions of large quantity tire disposal
    • Grunts Move Junk has partnered with Wheels for Warmth & hauls tires.

  188. Tires, motorcycle

    Expect fees
    • Have your mechanic/tire shop dispose of your old tires when purchasing new ones. All tire retailers will take scrap tires, typically for $3-5/tire

  189. Toothbrushes, empty toothpaste tubes, dental floss containers

    Expect fees

    • TerraCycle offers many programs for recycling certain products and materials. Check out their website to learn more!

      1 (866) 846-7786

    • You can dispose of this item in your regular trash

  190. Trees, logs, stumps, and roots

    Expect fees

  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

  196. VHS tapes

    Expect fees

    • TerraCycle offers many programs for recycling certain products and materials. Check out their website to learn more!

      1 (866) 846-7786

    • 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. Warmgel heat pack, hand and toe warmers

    Expect fees

    Tip: Consider buying reusable Hand warmers that don’t have a battery or more natural warmers that use salt, iron powder and natural fillers that can be cut open and emptied onto the icy walk or driveway when they are done. 

    • You can dispose of this item in your regular trash

  201. Windows and doors

  203. Wood ash

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

    • You can dispose of this item in your regular trash

  204. Yard waste - leaves, grass clippings, brush, branches & limbs under 1"

    Expect fees
    Landfill banned item

    • Some transfer stations accept leaf and yard waste. Follow the link to learn more and find a drop-off near you. Leaf and yard waste can also be composted safely if you have the space to do it in your yard.

    • Some transfer stations in Vermont accept stumps and clean wood debris from landscaping activites.

  205. Ziploc food storage plastic bags

    Expect fees

    Make sure plastic bags and recyclable plastic films (LDPE #2 and #4) are clean and dry prior to recycling at a participating plastic bag drop-off site. We encourage you to reuse plastic bags and to switch to using reusable bags instead.

    The following plastic film 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)

    See details here.

    • 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, flammable, or toxic. These substances are harmful to humans, wildlife, and the environment and are banned from the landfill. Look for warning words like Caution, Danger, Warning, and Flammable. Make sure to keep these items cool, dry, and out of reach of children and animals. 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 hazardous waste collections. Vermont residents can also dispose of most of these items year-round 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 can evaporate into a colorless, odorless vapor. It is harmful to humans and wildlife, and is found in many products including fluorescent bulbs, old thermostats, and thermometers. Handle these items with care to avoid releasing the mercury and poisoning yourself, others, and the environment – these items should never go in the trash. You can dispose of unbroken fluorescent bulbs at many places in Vermont – find a location near you here: Vermont – Lamp Recycle. Mercury thermostats are covered by a Vermont state EPR program and are free to dispose of; bring them to a hazardous waste facility or to CVSWMD’s Additional Recyclable Collection Center (ARCC). Other devices containing mercury can also be recycled at CVSWMD’s ARCC – fees apply. Learn more about mercury devices here. 

    Broken fluorescent bulbs should be handled carefully, and should be brought to a hazardous waste collection or a hazardous waste facility.  

    • 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 banned from the landfill because it contains heavy metals and toxins; and has valuable recyclable components. Some electronic waste, specifically: TV's, computers, desktop printers, hard drives and computer peripherals like mice, keyboards and computer speakers are covered by Vermont state Extended Producer Responsibility programs and are free to recycle; fees apply for other electronic waste. Bring E-waste to CVSWMD’s Additional Recyclables Collection Center (ARCC), 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 banned from the landfill 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 household batteries with clear packing tape, and bring them to a collection center to be recycled for free through Vermont's Extended Producer Responsibility 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 contain a small amount of radioactive material called americium 241 (am-er-ish'-ee-um). Look on the back of the unit for the designation Am 241. Some dual function alarms, for smoke and carbon monoxide detection, also contain americium 241. Single purpose Carbon monoxide (CO) detectors do not use radioactive substances. In Vermont, smoke and CO detectors that do not contain non-removable batteries can be trashed, or you may choose to recycle them and keep them out of the landfill by bringing them to the ARCC (fees apply). Smoke detectors can be recycled at the ARCC. 

     

     

    • 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 (Balloon Time, emptied)
    • Kerosene
    • Motor oil
    • Propane tanks
    • Rags, oily
    • Solvents (paint thinner, laquer thinner, acetone)

  • Asbestos

    Asbestos is a hazardous materials (both friable and non-friable) 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 Vermont Agency of Natural Resources (802)-863-7236, or toll-free in Vermont 800-439-8550) for a list of licensed asbestos abatement contractors or find an asbestos contractor here. Contact the Vermont 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

    Objects smaller than 2 x 2 inches and larger than 2 x 2 feet should not go 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 (approx. the size of a tennis ball) in size before recycling it in the blue bin. Make sure it's not covered in food or it will attract pests.

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

  • Safer Choices - Cleaning Products

    Third Party Certifications

    Some cleaning products contain chemicals that can be harmful to human and environmental health. Look for third party certifications from groups like the Environmental Working Group (EWG) and EPA Safer Choice. Learn more about how to reduce toxics in your home here. We also have recipes for non-toxic cleaning solutions available on our website.

    • 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. Unused architectural paint and stain can be recycled all around Vermont. Find a paint recycling location here. Empty paint cans can go in the trash or recycling.

    • 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 – Cleaners

    safer cleaning

    Many household cleaners contain chemicals that can be harmful to human and environmental health. You can make safe cleaning supplies out of household ingredients like baking soda and white vinegar. When buying, look for third party certifications from groups like the Environmental Working Group (EWG) and EPA Safer Choice. Learn more about how to reduce toxics in your home and choose safer cleaning supplies. 

    • 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.)
    • Solvents (paint thinner, laquer thinner, acetone)

  • Reduce Your Use – Poisons

    Poison

    Poisons (pesticides, herbicides, fungicides) can be dangerous for humans, domestic animals, and wildlife. Reduce your use of poisons by controlling conditions to discourage pests and look into Integrated Pest Management Practices (IPM). Store unused poisons away from children and water sources, and make sure to dispose of them at a household hazardous waste collection or hazardous waste facility.

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

  • Reduce Your Use – Mercury

    CFLs

    Fluorescent lamps contain mercury (Hg) which can escape and poison people, wildlife, and the environment. Safer alternatives to mercury lamps include LED bulbs, which also use less energy. When buying thermometers or thermostats, look for electronic models that do not contain mercury.

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

  • Paper

    Use both sides before recycling. Shredded paper (uncoated only) can also be added to compost as browns.

    • Gift wrap, wrapping paper, plain only
    • Paper

  • Packing Materials

     

     

    Some office or mailing stores will take packing materials for reuse. Call your local store to find out. They do not want hard blocks of Styrofoam, but may accept packing peanuts. 

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

  • Paper, shredded

    Shredded paper must be recycled in a clear, tied bag. It is the ONLY blue bin recyclable that should be bagged. Shredded paper can also be added to compost as browns.

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

  • Pizza boxes

    Pizza boxes can be recycled, but they must be free of food residue. A bit of grease is okay.

    • Pizza boxes

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

    Make sure plastic bags and recyclable plastic films (LDPE #2 and #4) are clean and dry prior to recycling at a participating plastic bag drop-off site. We encourage you to reuse plastic bags and to switch to using reusable bags instead.

    The following plastic film 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

    See details here.

    • Ziploc food storage plastic bags

  • Styrofoam

     

    Styrofoam is not recyclable in Vermont. Styrofoam peanuts can be reused in packaging or returned to certain shipping businesses. Sometimes stores will take back styrofoam packaging. Use alternatives when possible (e.g. reusable cups/containers instead of styrofoam cups/containers).

    • Styrofoam blocks and packaging
    • Styrofoam or starch peanuts

  • Textiles

     

    Consider turning old textiles into napkins, face masks, or rags. Mend, donate, swap or give away when possible. The ARCC will not take rags, curtains, towels or blankets.

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

  • Tyvek

    DuPont Tyvek is made of high-density polyethylene (HDPE). It is not paper, but can be recycled for use in a variety of new products, including plastic lumber for picnic tables, park benches, construction fencing and mud flaps. To recycle small quantities (less than 25 envelopes per month), turn any Tyvek envelope inside out, so the unprinted white surface shows on the outside. Stuff the inside-out Tyvek envelope with other used 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) To 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. If the item contains or is made with black plastic, it must be placed in the trash.

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

  • Drywall

    Drywall (if clean, unpainted and reusable) may be taken for reuse by ReStore or ReSource. Call stores for details.

    • Sheetrock, drywall, and gypsum board

  • Tanglers

     

    Materials like wire, fabric, cords, and rope clog and tangle machinery at the recycling facility. Make sure to keep these kinds of items out of the blue bin.

    • 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, linens, 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. The people who sort your recyclables will appreciate not having to deal with stuck-on old food residue and the critters it attracts!

    • 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 can escape and poison people and wildlife. If a fluorescent or CFL bulb breaks, follow these cleanup instructions from the Vermont Department of Health:

    • DO NOT VACUUM OR SWEEP up the broken lamp, as this may spread any mercury vapor that is present to other rooms. Keep all people and pets away from the breakage area.
    • Ventilate the room by closing all interior doors and vents, opening windows and any exterior doors in the room and leaving the room (restrict access) for at least 15 minutes.
    • Remove all 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 glass or rigid container with a lid.
    • 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 Hazardous Waste Facility.

    • Broken fluorescent bulbs and CFLs

  • Lawn mowers, gas-powered

    In order to be recycled, gas-powered lawn mowers and other metal, gas-powered lawn equipment, must be drained of all fluids before being recycled at a metals recycler. CVSWMD’s Additional Recyclables Collection Center (ARCC) can help you recycle this item.

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

  • Manage hazardous products containers

    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.

    If any amount of the original product remains in the container, bring to a Household Hazardous Waste Collection. 

    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 batteries and recycle batteries. To find a battery recycling location near you, go here or to the CVSWMD ARCC.

    • Hearing aids, batteries removed

  • Vermont Prescription Drug Disposal

    Store your prescription medications in a locked medicine cabinet. 

    Prescription medications can be disposed of at a pharmacy or police station drop box. Find a map of drop off locations at the Vermont Department of Health website. 

    You can also request a pre-paid envelope from the Vermont Department of Health to mail back any 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.)