Vermonters currently generate about 600,000 tons of waste each year, according to the Vermont Agency of Natural Resources. This translates into almost one ton per person each year. Through reuse and recycling, residents kept about a third of these materials out of landfills in 2001. That means we still had 402,000 tons of waste to put somewhere!

So, how can we divert more materials from landfills and waste incineration? How can we capture the resources in all this “waste” and keep it in use? How can we stimulate waste-based economic development and help existing businesses reduce operating costs through Zero Waste?

This is a new path for the District, and we welcome your ideas and innovative solutions to these kinds of questions. The links provided here offer some information on this growing international movement toward Zero Waste, and the District and Vermont services available to help you take steps toward this goal in your communities.

Want to learn more?

• What is Zero Waste?
• CVSWMD Zero Waste Fact Sheet
• Waste-based Economic Development

ZW Resources for Small Businesses:

• See the Business Composting Program and Hazardous Waste sections.
• Links to Waste Reduction Resources

We welcome your comments and suggestions. We’ll be adding to our Zero Waste resources over time so please check back! comments@cvswmd.org