In 1989, the City began a residential curbside recycling pilot project that served 3,000 residential units. During this time, a recycling drop-off facility was opened for residents who were not served by the pilot project. In 1990, Public Works staff completed a comprehensive report on residential recycling and toxic materials collection. The City joined the Chittenden Solid Waste District in March of 1990. In 1991, the City expanded the recycling program to include all buildings with up to four dwelling units. In 1992, the City passed a mandatory recycling ordinance for residents and businesses and expanded curbside recyclables collection to include all residential dwelling units. In 1993, the City began municipal collection of residential recyclables.

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.

Collected materials are transported to the Chittenden County Solid Waste District's Material Recovery Facility (MRF) in Williston, where they are sorted, baled, and shipped to appropriate markets.

Blue bins may be picked up at 645 Pine Street, Monday - Friday 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and at the CSWD drop-off center at 339 Pine Street, during hours of operation.

Improper preparation of materials is the biggest reason a blue box might not be picked up. Look for a bright green sticker indicating improper preparation. For missed pick ups call (802) 863-9094 during normal business hours.

Funding for the recycling program comes from a Solid Waste Generation Tax assessed to each residential unit within the City. This tax is currently $3.10 per month per residential unit and is being collected for the City by the private trash haulers who pick up your solid waste.

Throughout Chittenden County all residental recycling programs follow the Chittenden Solid Waste Districts recyclables list. To review this list, visit the Chittenden Solid Waste District's Recycling List at: http://www.CSWD.net/recycling/recycling_list.shtml

From aerosol cans and ammunition to wrapping paper and yard waste, the Chittenden Solid Waste District is an excellent resource for questions about proper disposal of common household and commercial waste. Click here to find out what to do with...

While supplies last, SoilSaver compost bins can be purchased at the Department of Public Works for the low cost of $40 plus tax (total $42.40, cash or check only). The bin regularly retails for about $100! The SoilSaver bins measure 28" square by 30" tall and weigh 30 lbs. They are made of 50% recycled HDPE plastic and serve a household up to 5 people. SoilSaver bins are passive composters - you don't need to turn them, though occasional stirring is helpful. SoilSaver bins have large, locking lids and two sliding doors at the bottom that make loading and unloading fast and easy.

By composting, you can reduce the amount of trash you send to the landfill by about a third - that is an average of about 650 pounds per household! In addition to food scraps, you can also compost soiled paper such as paper towels and napkins. For information to help you get started composting at home, click here. For folks who are new to composting, or re-starting their compost piles, please know that help is always available for questions that arise by calling CSWD's hotline at 872-8111. To troubleshoot problems with your existing compost, click here.