All Items

Special Indicators:

Expected Fees Landfill Banned Item Hazard Consider Changing Up Special Recycling

  1. Aerosol cans, empty, food grade & personal care products

    Expect fees
    Landfill banned item

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

    Expect fees
    Landfill banned item

  4. Air conditioners, AC window units

    Expect fees
    Landfill banned item

  6. Ammonia

    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.

  8. Antifreeze, coolant, and glycol

    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.

  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

  12. Asbestos, asbestos-containing materials

    Expect fees
    Landfill banned item

  14. Asphalt shingles, new, reusable

    Expect fees
    Landfill banned item

  15. Asphalt shingles, nonreusable

    Expect fees

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

    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.

  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.

  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.

  21. Bags, purses, backpacks

    Expect fees

  22. Ballasts, non-PCB, for fluorescent lights

    Expect fees

  23. Ballasts, PCB, for fluorescent lights

    Expect fees
    Landfill banned item

    • CVSWMD's facility for hard-to-recycle materials and hazardous waste in Berlin, VT.

      (We are still under construction and not open- Please continue to 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 in Berlin, VT.

      (We are still under construction and not open- Please continue to check our website for updates!)

      (802) 229-9383

  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.

  27. Batteries, lithium-ion, damaged or swollen

    Expect fees
    Landfill banned item

    Damaged or swollen lithium-ion batteries are dangerous and need to be handled carefully. Visit Call2Recycle for more information on safely handling and storing: 

    Damaged, Defective and Recalled Batteries | Call2Recycle | United States(link is external)

    • CVSWMD's facility for hard-to-recycle materials and hazardous waste in Berlin, VT.

      (We are still under construction and not open- Please continue to check our website for updates!)

      (802) 229-9383

  28. Beer bottle caps

    Expect fees

  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.

  35. Brita filters and packaging

    Expect fees

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

  36. Broken fluorescent bulbs and CFLs

    Expect fees
    Landfill banned item

  37. Building materials

    Expect fees

    Nationwide Foam Recycling(link is external) 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. 

  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. 

  40. 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(link is external) to receive 20% coupon for a new car seat. 

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

    Expect fees

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

    Expect fees

    Staples(link is external) accepts CDs & DVDs for recycling

  46. CD and DVD players

    Expect fees
    Landfill banned item

    • CVSWMD's facility for hard-to-recycle materials and hazardous waste in Berlin, VT.

      (We are still under construction and not open- Please continue to check our website for updates!)

      (802) 229-9383

  47. Cell phone cases

    Expect fees

  48. Ceramic toilets, sinks, and fixtures

    Expect fees

  50. Christmas trees and wreaths, metal

    Expect fees

  51. Christmas trees, real

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

  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(link is external) for more guidance.

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

    Expect fees

    GreenDisk(link is external) has a mail-in recycling program

  57. Computer monitors, any type - CRTs, flat-panel, LCD, and plasma displays

    Landfill banned item

  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

  61. Construction and demolition debris

    Expect fees
    Landfill banned item

  62. Copiers and printers, floor model

    Expect fees
    Landfill banned item

    • CVSWMD's facility for hard-to-recycle materials and hazardous waste in Berlin, VT.

      (We are still under construction and not open- Please continue to check our website for updates!)

      (802) 229-9383

  63. Cords, cables, adaptors, and electrical wires

    Expect fees

    • CVSWMD's facility for hard-to-recycle materials and hazardous waste in Berlin, VT.

      (We are still under construction and not open- Please continue to check our website for updates!)

      (802) 229-9383

  69. Dimensional lumber, wood boards

    Expect fees

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

    Expect fees

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

  72. Egg cartons, paper

    Landfill banned item

  75. Eyeglasses

    Expect fees

  77. Fax machines

    Expect fees
    Landfill banned item

    • CVSWMD's facility for hard-to-recycle materials and hazardous waste in Berlin, VT.

      (We are still under construction and not open- Please continue to check our website for updates!)

      (802) 229-9383

  78. Fertilizers, chemical

    Expect fees

  79. Fire extinguishers

    Expect fees

    • CVSWMD's facility for hard-to-recycle materials and hazardous waste in Berlin, VT.

      (We are still under construction and not open- Please continue to check our website for updates!)

      (802) 229-9383

    • Local Fire Department

      Your local fire department may accept fire extinguishers

  81. Flammable liquids

    Expect fees
    Landfill banned item

  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.

  84. 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!

  85. Food grade cooking oil

    Expect fees
    Landfill banned item

  86. Food scraps, food waste

    Expect fees
    Landfill banned item

  87. Fuel and fuel mixes

    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 in Berlin, VT.

      (We are still under construction and not open- Please continue to check our website for updates!)

      (802) 229-9383

  90. Gasoline and gas/oil mixtures

    Expect fees
    Landfill banned item

  98. Hearing aids, batteries removed

    Expect fees

  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.
    • Sharps collection box against outside wall of the building between ARCC and Cumberland Farms gas station.
    • Barre Police Department(link is external) 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.

  106. iPods, MP3 and music players

    Expect fees
    Landfill banned item

    • CVSWMD's facility for hard-to-recycle materials and hazardous waste in Berlin, VT.

      (We are still under construction and not open- Please continue to check our website for updates!)

      (802) 229-9383

  110. Kerosene

    Expect fees
    Landfill banned item

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

    Expect fees

  115. Light bulbs/lamps, Fluorescent, broken

    Expect fees
    Landfill banned item

  116. Light bulbs/lamps, fluorescent, intact

    Landfill banned item

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

    Expect fees

  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.

  120. Magazines

    Landfill banned item
    • Local schools (for art projects)

      Contact your local schools.

  123. Mattresses and box springs

    Expect fees

  124. Media-players, e-readers

    Expect fees
    Landfill banned item

    • CVSWMD's facility for hard-to-recycle materials and hazardous waste in Berlin, VT.

      (We are still under construction and not open- Please continue to check our website for updates!)

      (802) 229-9383

  125. 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

  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(link is external)

  129. Mercury thermostats, unbroken

    Landfill banned item

  131. Metal cans

    Landfill banned item

    • CVSWMD's facility for hard-to-recycle materials and hazardous waste in Berlin, VT.

      (We are still under construction and not open- Please continue to check our website for updates!)

      (802) 229-9383

    • 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'

  133. Microwave ovens

    Expect fees

  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(link is external), cedar(link is external) or lavender(link is external) essential oil, or cedar planks(link is external) instead!

  135. 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! 

    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.

  139. 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(link is external)
    • Trash

    • CVSWMD's facility for hard-to-recycle materials and hazardous waste in Berlin, VT.

      (We are still under construction and not open- Please continue to 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.

  140. Paint (automotive, non-architectural, not household)

    Expect fees
    Landfill banned item

  141. Paint and primers, stains (architectural), deck and concrete sealers, clear finishes (oil-based, latex, varnish, shellac), labelled in original cans

    Landfill banned item

  142. Paint cans, empty, metal

    Expect fees

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

    Expect fees
    Landfill banned item

    • CVSWMD's facility for hard-to-recycle materials and hazardous waste in Berlin, VT.

      (We are still under construction and not open- Please continue to check our website for updates!)

      (802) 229-9383

  150. Phones, cell

    Landfill banned item

  152. 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

  153. Plastic bins and totes

    Expect fees

  154. 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. 

    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.

  155. 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(link is external). 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(link is external).

  156. 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.

  160. Printers, desktop

    Landfill banned item

  161. Propane tanks

    Expect fees
    Landfill banned item

  168. Scrap metal, under 4’x4’

    Expect fees

  169. 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.

  170. Sheetrock, drywall, and gypsum board

    Expect fees

  171. Shoes, clean, dry, and in pairs

    Expect fees

  173. 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(link is external) 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.

  174. Small kitchen appliances

    Expect fees

    • CVSWMD's facility for hard-to-recycle materials and hazardous waste in Berlin, VT.

      (We are still under construction and not open- Please continue to check our website for updates!)

      (802) 229-9383

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

    Expect fees
    Landfill banned item

  177. Speakers, stereos and stereo systems

    Expect fees
    Landfill banned item

    • CVSWMD's facility for hard-to-recycle materials and hazardous waste in Berlin, VT.

      (We are still under construction and not open- Please continue to check our website for updates!)

      (802) 229-9383

  178. Steel cans

    Expect fees
    Landfill banned item

  181. 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

     

  182. Tape dispensers and cores

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

  183. Televisions, TVs, CRTs, flat-panel, LCD, and plasma displays, tablets

    Landfill banned item

  184. Tennis balls

    Expect fees

  185. Tires, car and passenger truck

    Expect fees
    Landfill banned item

  186. Tires, commercial truck

    Expect fees
    Landfill banned item

  189. Trees, logs, stumps, and roots

    Expect fees

  190. Tyvek

    Expect fees
    • 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

  191. Untreated wood and pallets

    Expect fees

  192. Vacuum cleaners

    Expect fees

  194. VCRs

    Expect fees
    Landfill banned item

    • CVSWMD's facility for hard-to-recycle materials and hazardous waste in Berlin, VT.

      (We are still under construction and not open- Please continue to check our website for updates!)

      (802) 229-9383

  198. Water coolers, household

    Expect fees
    Landfill banned item

    • CVSWMD's facility for hard-to-recycle materials and hazardous waste in Berlin, VT.

      (We are still under construction and not open- Please continue to 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 slippery walkways.
    • Trash (no coals)

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

    Expect fees
    Landfill banned item

  204. 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(link is external). 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(link is external).

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(link is external). Vermont residents can also dispose of most of these items year-round at the Chittenden environmental depot.(link is external) 

    Related Items:
    • 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(link is external). Mercury thermostats are covered by a Vermont state EPR program and are free to dispose of; bring them to a hazardous waste facility(link is external) 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.(link is external) 

    Broken fluorescent bulbs should be handled carefully, and should be brought to a hazardous waste collection(link is external) or a hazardous waste facility(link is external).  

    Related Items:
    • 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)(link is external), or find a recycling location here.(link is external)

    Related Items:
    • 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(link is external) to be recycled for free through Vermont's Extended Producer Responsibility program, (link is external)Call2Recycle.(link is external)

    Related Items:
    • 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(link is external). 

     

     

    Related Items:
    • Smoke detectors

  • Flammable or Explosive

    flammable/explosive symbols

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

    Related Items:
    • 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.(link is external)  

    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(link is external). Contact the Vermont Department of Health Lead and Asbestos Program(link is external) (802-865-7784 or 800-439-8550) for assistance with health concerns about asbestos.

     

    Related Items:
    • 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.

    Related Items:
    • 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.

    Related Items:
    • 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(link is external). We also have recipes for non-toxic cleaning solutions(link is external) available on our website.

    Related Items:
    • 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(link is external) 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.(link is external) Empty paint cans can go in the trash or recycling.

    Related Items:
    • 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(link is external). 

    Related Items:
    • 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 (link is external)or hazardous waste facility.(link is external)

    Related Items:
    • 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.

    Related Items:
    • 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.

    Related Items:
    • 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. 

    Related Items:
    • 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.

    Related Items:
    • 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.

    Related Items:
    • 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(link is external). 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(link is external).

    Related Items:
    • 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).

    Related Items:
    • 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.

    Related Items:
    • 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.

    Related Items:
    • 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

    Related Items:
    • 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.

    Related Items:
    • 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(link is external). Call stores for details.

    Related Items:
    • 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.

    Related Items:
    • 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!

    Related Items:
    • 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(link is external) or Hazardous Waste Facility(link is external).

    Related Items:
    • 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.

    Related Items:
    • 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(link is external). 

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

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

  • 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(link is external). 

    You can also request a pre-paid envelope(link is external) from the Vermont Department of Health to mail back any unused medications. 

    Related Items:
    • Medications, prescriptions, and pharmaceutical drugs and pills

  • Purchase reusable products

    Consider purchasing reusable products instead of disposable!

    Related Items:
    • 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(link is external).

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

Related Items:
  • 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.)