Recycling in Central Vermont
Mandated Recyclables - Vermont's Universal Recycling Law (Act 148) bans recyclables from the landfill. The law covers six specific materials: 
  • ​Paper
  • Aluminum
  • Cardboard
  • Steel
  • Glass
  • Hard Plastics
Recyclables should be rinsed clean, larger than 2" x 2" and smaller than 2'x2'. Download a flyer. 

These are OK in your Blue Bin:

  • Plastic lids left on bottles
  • Frozen food boxes 
  • Pizza boxes (without stuck on food)
  • Bakery boxes (no crumbs)
  • Butter boxes
  • Yogurt foil tops rinsed & balled up w/aluminum foil (at least 2" balls)
  • Thermal cash receipts​ 
Scroll down to see what should stay out of the bin.

What NOT to recycle in regular recycling:

​Certain materials clog the machinery at the Materials Recovery Facility, where recyclables get sorted, baled and shipped to market. Some items, like food-soiled materials or liquids, can contaminate loads of recyclables and make them unsellable. We all want to recycle right, so please keep the following items OUT of your recycling bin (and see slide show to the right)
  • "Tanglers" (clothing, textiles, hoses, plastic bags).
  • Anything smaller than 2" x 2" or larger than 2' x 2'
  • Electronics, like cell phones etc
  • Anything with a battery
  • Styrofoam
  • Disposable coffee cups (but white lids can be recycled)
  • Black plastic 
  • Tissues, napkins, paper towels
  • Plastic bags
  • Household hazardous waste (like cleaners, auto fluids, etc).

Recycling Tips:

  • DO rinse recyclable containers clean. They don't have to be perfect—just free of most residue.
  • DO breakdown and fold large cardboard boxes.
  • DO buy materials made from post-consumer recycled materials—you'll help create markets for recyclables!
  • DON'T place styrofoam or black plastic in the recycling. There is no current market for these materials.
  • DON'T put anything smaller than two inches on two sides in your recycling bin. 
  • DON'T place plastic bags in the recycling bin. Bags clog up the sorting machines.
  • DON'T put anything with leftover food on it in the recycling. That's gross! And it reduces the value of the recyclables.
  • Learn more: Recycling Numbers 1 - 7: what do they mean?
  • DON'T line your recycle bin or add plastic bags to your bin. 
  • DO learn how to recycle plastic bags here. 

Additional Recyclables

Some of the items that are not accepted in your recycling bins CAN be taken to our Additional Recyclables Collection Center in Barre. Items include: Paint, batteries, bulbs, clothing, electronics, small appliances, and so much more!

Paint Recycling Program

Everyone has an old paint can or two lying around... Wondering what to do with your old un-used paint? Find out more about paint recycling here!

Haz Waste

Each year CVSWMD holds a number of Special Collection Events to collect hazardous and other waste items that require special handling or are not usually accepted at depots in the district. Find out about Haz Waste collection days near you!