Background

Residential and commercial recycling has been mandatory in Burlington, VT (pop. 42,282), for more than 20 years now. The city’s Department of Public Works oversees residential curbside recycling collection with a fleet of three trucks making 1,000 to 1,500 stops five days a week. The residential pick-up program diverts nearly 6 million pounds of solid waste (approximately 440 pounds per household) from landfills each year. Free blue bins, available for pick-up at two locations in town (see below), are used at the curb for this single-stream program. Wheeled toters are also now available for curbside usage via application for a fee of about $50.

Materials recycled

Paper Including newspapers and inserts, magazines, catalogs, soft-cover books, glossy paper, phonebooks, white and colored paper, file folders, index cards, brochures, construction paper, wrapping paper (no foil), greeting cards, envelopes (windows OK), paper bags, paperboard, corrugated cardboard (flattened and cut to 2×2 feet or smaller) and shredded paper (sealed in a clear plastic bag). Plastics Plastics numbered 1 through 7 that measure at least 2 inches across on two sides and are smaller than 2 feet across on one side are accepted. This includes bottles, jugs, condiment containers, milk and juice containers, dairy tubs, 5-gallon pails, flower pots, trays, clear plastic take-out containers and hard plastic frozen food trays. Plastic lids 2 inches or wider can be included. No plastic bags, Styrofoam or plastic wrap accepted. Metals Including aluminum cans, steel/tin cans, metal lids (placed in cans), aluminum foil, aluminum plates and pans and empty aerosol cans (discard caps). Glass Glass jars and bottles accepted (rinsed; no lids).

Frequency

Curbside recycling pick-up occurs on a weekly basis. Bins must be placed curbside by 7 a.m. day of pick-up. A collection schedule by street name is available online.

Other programs

Residential blue bins can be picked up for free at two locations in Burlington: 645 Pine St., Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., or the Chittenden Solid Waste District Drop-Off Center (see below). The Chittenden Solid Waste District operates drop-off centers for recyclables and compostable material throughout Chittenden County, which includes Burlington. Locations are as follows:

• 339 Pine St., Wednesdays, from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Thursdays and Saturdays, from 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
• 218 Colchester Rd. in Essex, Tuesdays, from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Wednesdays through Saturdays, from 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
• 907 Beecher Hill Rd. in Hinesburg, Saturdays, from 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
• 36 Landfill Rd. in Milton, Mondays, from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Fridays and Saturdays, from 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
• 80 Rogers Ln. in Richmond, Tuesdays and Saturdays, from 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., and Thursdays, from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• 87 Landfill Rd. in South Burlington, Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays, from 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., and Fridays, from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• 1492 Redmond Rd. in Williston, Mondays through Saturdays, from 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Yard waste and wood debris can be unloaded at McNeil Wood and Yard Waste Depot at 111 Intervale Rd. Hours are seasonal. These materials can also be dropped off at any CSWD Drop-Off Center (see above). Household hazardous waste, including rechargeable batteries, automotive supplies, health and beauty products, household cleaners, home improvement supplies, garden supplies, hobby supplies, mercury-containing items, road flares and empty propane containers, can be safely disposed of by Chittenden County residents at the CSWD Environmental Depot at 1011 Airport Pkwy. in South Burlington. The depot is open to the public Wednesdays through Fridays, from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., and Saturdays, from 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. The Rover, a mobile HHW collection truck, visits locations throughout the region. Click here for the latest info.

More information

Visit the City of Burlington Department of Public Works website for more recycling program info.