Non-hazardous Solid Waste and Recycling - Vermont

Vermont incorporates by reference the federal regulations for Non-Hazardous Solid Waste and Recycling; however, the state adds further requirements.

A summary of the additional requirements includes the following:

• The Vermont Legislature unanimously passed the Universal Recycling Law (Act 148), which bans three major categories of materials from Vermonters' trash bins: "blue bin" recyclables leaf and yard debris; clean wood food scraps (organics; compostable kitchen wastes).
• Effective July 1, 2020, this law prohibits retailers and food establishments from providing customers with the following single-use plastic items: a. single-use plastic carryout bags at the point of sale (exempts bags used for prescription meds, dry cleaning, and produce bags/small items bags that are not at the point of sale), i. single-use paper bags can be offered at the point of sale if the customer is charged a minimum of 10 cents per bag, which retailers keep. Smaller paper bags are exempt. b. plastic straws (except that they can be given upon request of the customer), c. plastic stirrers for beverages, and d. expanded polystyrene (commonly called Styrofoam) food and beverage containers like cups and containers, meat/fish packaging, or food packaged outof-state is exempt.
• Some construction, deconstruction, or demolition projects are required to separate architectural waste materials (Asphalt Shingles, Scrap Metal, Drywall, Plywood, Oriented Strand Board (OSB)), for the purpose of recycling. A project is subject to the requirement if it meets ALL of the following conditions:
  • The project produces 40 cubic yards or more of architectural waste. Forty cubic yards is the typical volume of one construction site roll-off dumpster.
  • The project site is within 20 miles of a solid waste facility that recycles architectural waste.
  • The construction or demolition project is for a commercial building or a residential building with 2 or more units.

Related Information

• Vermont's Universal Recycling Law
• Construction & Demolition Waste Recycling
• Grass, Leaves, and Wood
• Solid Waste and Recycling Program
• Solid Waste Management Rules

Citation

• § 6-101 through § 6-1401
• Act 148, Sec. 1. 10 V.S.A. § 6602