Business Compost

Act 148
Vermont's Universal Recycling Law bans food scraps from the landfill for all businesses, offices, organizations, schools, municipalities, events and residents.  Read on to learn about what your entity needs to do to comply with the law.
Work with us if you need assistance.
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Why divert food scraps?

  • Reduces trash costs
  • Conserves landfill space
  • Reduces greenhouse gases and emissions
  • Supports green jobs 
  • Finished compost restores the soil
  • Comply with Vermont Law - Act 148
Some important facts:
  • Food scraps comprise 21% of landfill space in Vermont.
  • Up to 60% of restaurant waste is food scraps.
  • Grocery stores it is closer to 72%. 
For more information on environmental facts and organics diversion, see our Environmental Fact Sheet.

How can my business start diverting food waste?

  1. Set up clear sorting systems at your business - trash, recycling, and food scraps should be placed together for easy sorting.
  2. Use clear signage. Download signage from us! If you use a local farmer, you may need to eliminate meats from your collection.
  3. Donate un-served foods to locate food banks. Learn more about  locations and the law, here.
  4. Contact local haulers. If your trash hauler does not provide food scraps collection, set up a separate collection service. Options may include working with a local farmer. Be aware of swine feed laws (below) if taken to a pig farm. 
  5. Contact CVSWMD if you need assistance or help reducing waste at your business. We can give you tools to track your waste, offer a sustainability consultation, and provide assistance with understanding and complying with the law. Click button on right!
Learn more about businesses hauling food scraps in this short video!

Find a Food Scraps Hauler

Ready to have your food scraps picked up? Look for a local food scrap hauler near you.

Download and Print Signs

We have full color with image representations of the things that can go into each bin. Download signs for FREE!

Swine Feed Laws

Pigs do a great job breaking down food scraps! Make sure meat stays out of the food scraps going to pigs. Talk to the farmer about what can and cannot be accepted in their food scraps. Read about the swine feed specifics below.

Donate Food

Work with us!
Learn more about donation locations in central Vermont,  and get your questions about liability and the Law answered, here.
We offer site waste assessments to 1) help you know what you need to do to comply with the law, 2) how to handle hazardous waste or other materials you may have, and 3) learn ways to reduce waste at your site.

Waste Tracking Benefits

  • Tracking waste gives you a clear picture of how much trash is generated and how full the containers are when they get picked up. It may help you determine size capacity of containers from your hauler - helping save on waste costs.
  • Tracking waste also lets you know the percentage of your waste stream being diverted from the landfill through recycling and composting. With concrete data and an understanding of materials in the stream you can set goals to increase waste diversion. Click the button below to download our waste tracker sheet. ​
  • Tell us about your experience!  Help us understand the types and volumes of waste Vermont businesses generate so we can direct our efforts where they would be most effective. We are happy to help you find solutions to better manage challenging materials and answer your waste management questions.
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