In 1989, the City began a residential curbside recycling pilot project that served 3,000 residential units. In 2002, the total number of residential units served was estimated to be 13,500. Our recycling crew makes between 1,000 and 1,500 stops per day. This collection equates to 85% - 90% of households participating in the diversion of approximately 5,940,000 pounds, or 440 pounds per household, of recycling per year.

In 2003, the City purchased three new recycling trucks, completed a route balancing study, and joined the Chittenden Solid Waste District in converting from a co-mingle system to single stream, or "all in one recycling" system.

NEW!
If you own or manage a residential property with 4 or more units, you may request wheeled, lidded recycling toters for your curbside pick up. Toters must be wheeled out to the curb by 7:00 am on your recycling day, unless otherwise approved by DPW. Please note that toters may be removed by DPW if they are repeatedly contaminated with non-recyclables.

In order to minimize the cost of recycling in Burlington, we are no longer able to provide the toters for free. The City is providing the toters at wholesale prices, which are $45 for each 65 gallon toter and $76 for each 95 gallon toter. To request a toter, complete the application and return to DPW. It is not advisable to include your payment until DPW has reviewed your request.