A-Z List: What Goes Where?

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Refer to these links throughout the list:

Visit the Earth911.com for tips on how to reuse almost anything that you would think about throwing away!

Please contact your town office/transfer station for information specific to your town.

Check out our A-Z Compost List!!

——————————————————————————————————————————————————  B  C  D  E  F  G  H  I  J  K  L  M  N  O  P  Q  R  S  T  U  V  W  X  Y  Z  —————————————————————————————————————————————————— A Adhesives
  • Hazardous Waste, bring to Gleason rd Transfer Station or on a Hazardous Collection Day
Aluminum cans, pie plates & foil
  • Items larger than 2" and smaller than 2' accepted as recycling if clean and dry; otherwise, put in scrap metal
Answering Machine
  • Accepted as E-Waste at all Transfer Stations for a nominal charge
  • Donate or sell if in good condition
Antifreeze
  • Hazardous Waste, bring to Gleason rd Transfer Station or on a Hazardous Collection Day
Appliances
  • Donate if in working condition.
  • Appliances are banned from landfill disposal in Vermont. Most towns accept appliances at either town Transfer Stations or special events throughout the year. They may fall in one of the following categories:
  • Freon-containing: Check if your transfer station accepts these: Refrigerators, Freezers, Air Conditioning units, and dehumidifiers contain freon- a toxic chemical banned from trash or unauthorized disposal. These units must be serviced by a licensed technician to remove the gas properly, which often has an associated cost.
  • Scrap Metal: If 80% or more metal, and not containing hazardous materials (freon, batteries, oil, gasoline).
  • Electronic/electric items: If it has a screen, or is made of mostly plastic components. See electronic/electric items.
Arts and Craft supplies
  • Try using what materials you don't want to get creative! Many arts supplies are not accepted in recycling. Visit Trash matcher for artistic ideas.
Asbestos
  • ONLY Non-friable Asbestos accepted at Gleason Rd
  • Fees may vary
Aseptic Containers
  • Milk and juice cartons- see Gable-top
Asphalt Shingles
  • See Construction Debris
Automatic Transmission Fluid
  • Hazardous Waste, may not be thrown in trash
  • Bring to Gleason Rd or a Hazardous Waste Collection Day
Automobiles
  • Wheels For Wishes is a car donation program benefiting Make-A-Wish® Vermont. They offer a free and easy way to recycle or donate unwanted cars, trucks, motorcycles, SUVs, RVs, or even boats, by turning them into a wish for a local child. We pick-up or tow away cars free of charge, anywhere in Vermont, whether they run or not. Vehicles are either recycled or auctioned off and proceeds benefit Make-A-Wish Vermont. Visit http://vermont.wheelsforwishes.org/ for information. Cars To Cure Breast Cancer accepts donated vehicles and either recycles or auctions them off. Earned proceeds from the sale of the vehicle benefit The Breast Cancer Research Foundation. All donations help to fund breast cancer research so that we can one day see a cure for breast cancer.
  • Visit http://www.carstocurebreastcancer.org/vermont. Good News Garage accepts donated cars, vans, or trucks, repairs them and gives them to families in need of transportation. Free pick up and towing. Easy online donation or call toll-free 877-GIVE-AUTO (877-448-3288). Vehicle donations may receive a higher tax deduction if used in the program. Visit: http://www.goodnewsgarage.org/. (800) 232-6570. Donations accepted from individuals, companies, municipalities, whether vehicles run or not. (Free pick-up and towing). Scrap metal recyclers will often purchase cars. See the scrap metal entry for recyclers. Auto recyclers that purchase cars for parts and manage the process in an environmentally sound way may be found through these sites: greenvehicledisposal.com, mrcarjunk.com, charity car.us.
B (BACK TO TOP) Baby's items
  • Reduce the amount of child care items used by renting or finding secondhand items and using cloth diapers
  • Attempt to donate or sell items if your children outgrow them
Bags: paper
  • Compostable & Recyclable at all transfer stations
Bags: plastic
  • Reuse
  • Return back to grocery stores that will accept them- this includes other clean, thin plastic film (wood pellet bags, sandwich bags, etc..)
  • Landfill at last choice- DO NOT recycle in household recycling
Ballasts
  • If they contain PCBs, they are Hazardous Waste, may not be thrown into landfill
    • Bring to Gleason Rd or a Hazardous Waste Collection Day
  • Without PCBs, may be put with scrap metal
Barbed Wire
  • Accepted as scrap metal at all Transfer Stations
Barrels
  • Clean metal or plastic barrels are accepted at all Transfer Stations as recycling
Bathtubs
  • If more than 80% metal, accepted as scrap metal at all Transfer Stations
  • Donate or sell if in good condition
  • Accepted as landfill as last resort
Batteries
  • Considered hazardous waste. Click here to find drop-off locations for battery recycling
  • Lithium batteries can be dangerous if damaged or handled improperly; read this guide to know how to recognize and properly handle them
  • Accepted at Gleason Rd as Hazardous Waste
Beds
  • Accepted as landfill at Transfer Stations
  • Donate or sell if in good condition
Bicycle
  • If your bike is in good condition, consider donating it to Bike Recycle Vermont, a non-profit organization that refurbishes and distributes bikes to Vermonters who could not otherwise afford one. Donations of funds are accepted, but not required. Pick-up service is available for those who cannot transport their bikes. Call (802) 264-9687
  • Accepted for scrap metal recycling at all RCSWD transfer stations.
Bleach
  • Accepted as Hazardous Waste at all Transfer Stations, not to be put in landfill
  • Bring to a Hazardous Waste Collection Day
Blenders
  • Accepted as E-Waste at all Transfer Stations
  • Donate or sell if in good condition
Blow Dryers
  • Accepted as E-Waste at all Transfer Stations
  • Donate or sell if in good condition
Boats
  • Fiberglass boats may be disposed of at either one of the two transfer stations located in Williston. Please call before heading over since some size restrictions or limitations may apply
  • Contact a local marina to see if they need the boat for parts
  • If your boat is made of metal or aluminum a local scrap metal recycler may be interested in taking it.
Boilers
  • Decommissioned boilers (gas, oil or wood-fired) may be disposed of at the Gleason road transfer station. These units may contain hazardous materials such as refrigerant, mercury devices, capacitors and ballasts. Once the boiler is inspected and any hazardous materials are removed, it will be recycled as scrap metal
Books
  • Contact your local library to see if they would accept them
  • Paperback books may be recycled at any transfer station
  • Large quantities of unwanted hardback books may be dropped off at a transfer station for a charge.
  • Wet, moldy, or mildewy books must be thrown in the trash.
Bottles
  • Plastic bottles #1 - #7 may be recycled with caps on
  • Glass bottles may be reused or recycled with caps removed
Bottle caps
  • No caps smaller than 2 inches in diameter are accepted in the blue bin for recycling. Larger caps (plastic or metal), such as those from peanut butter jars, may be added to the blue bin, but should be removed from the container first. Metal bottle caps may be collected in a small container and added to the scrap metal bin at any RCSWD Drop-Off Center.
Brake Fluid
  • Hazardous Waste, accepted at Transfer Stations
  • Bring to a Hazardous Waste Collection Day
Bread Machines
  • Accepted as E-Waste at Transfer Stations
  • Sell or donate if still in good condition
Bricks
  • Contact local contracting business if they would like them
  • Accepted at Transfer Stations
Broken glass
  • Wrap in a paper towel so all sharps are covered and place in trash
Bubble wrap
  • Reuse for sending out other packages
  • Thin plastic film recycling- see Bags: plastic
  • Accepted as landfill at Transfer Stations
Building materials
  • See Construction Debris
Burlap
  • Makes great garden mulch, if weathered over a year of garden activity it can be added to a compost pile- post on Front Porch Forum to see if neighbors want it
  • Landfill at last resort
Buttons
  • See Art Supplies
C (BACK TO TOP) Calculators
  • Accepted as E-Waste at all Transfer Stations
  • Donate or sell if in good condition
Cans
  • Tin and aluminum cans must be emptied, rinsed and recycled
Camcorders
  • Accepted as E-waste at all Transfer Stations
Cameras (digital)
  • Accepted as E-waste at all Transfer Stations
Cameras (film)
  • Accepted as E-waste at all Transfer Stations
Can openers
  • If it has electric components, it must be disposed of at the Brandon, Castleton, Mt. Holly or Rutland Transfer Stations
  • Accepted as scrap metal if more than 80% metal
  • Donate or sell if in good condition
Cardboard
  • Accepted as recycling at all Transfer Stations
Cards
  • Reuse greeting card, especially if it is a really funny one, by crossing out the name of who sent it add yours with the phase “Reduce, Reuse, Recycle! I am reducing my waste and helping the environment by reusing this card
  • Recycle the card if reuse isn't appropriate.
Cartridges
  • Accepted at Staples in Rutland
  • Not accepted in mixed recycling
  • Put in trash as last resort
Cartons
  • Any paper cartons containing liquids are coated with a plastic lining and can not be recycled in our system. See Gable-top
  • See Egg Cartons
Cassettes
  • Attempt to donate if usable, otherwise they go in the trash.
Cassette players
  • Accepted as E-Waste
CD players
  • Accepted as E-Waste
Compact disks Cell phones
  • See Phones
Chemicals (hazardous)
  • Hazardous waste, bring to Transfer Station or a Hazardous Waste Collection Day
Children's items
  • Donate or sell if in good condition
  • If more than 80% metal accepted as scrap metal at Transfer Stations
  • Landfill at last effort
Christmas lights
  • Accepted as E-Waste at some transfer stations
Christmas trees
  • May be taken to the nearest transfer station to drop off; check with your trash and recycling hauler if they accept organic materials like yard waste
  • Plastic trees can be reused, donated or thrown in trash
Clean Wood
  • Banned from the landfill. Drop off at transfer stations for recycling.
Cleaners
  • Hazardous Waste, bring to Gleason Rd or a Hazardous Waste Collection Day
Clocks
  • Accepted as E-waste
Clothes Dryers
  • See Scrap Metal
Clothing
  • Donate or sell if in good condition
  • Several local churches also accept good, used clothing, contact your local church to see what items they accept
  • More information on donating here
Compact Fluorescent Lights (CFLs)
  • See Mercury-containing devices
Computers
  • Accepted as E-waste at all Transfer Stations
  • Donate or sell if in good condition
Construction Debris
  • Contact a local contracting service to see if they would reuse materials. If the materials are unusable, they may be dropped off at the Transfer Stations. Keep asphalt shingles, clean wood, and clean sheetrock separate for the best price rates.
  • Contact Markowski Construction, Pittsford, VT, for concrete and asphalt disposal recycling option at 802.483.6469. Contact Wilk Paving for asphalt disposal recycling at 802.438.5454
  • Deconstruction Works is a non-profit organization selling used and surplus building materials and offering deconstruction services. Deconstructing a building can divert 75% of the material from the landfill. Contractor and homeowner materials donations are tax-deductible.
Contaminated soil
  • If you have soil that is suspected of, or known to be contaminated with hazardous substances such as oil or lead, contact the Hazardous Waste Division of the VT Agency of Natural Resources (ANR) at (802) 828-1138
Cooking oil and grease
  • Do NOT pour down drain, five (5) gallon limit for grease, accepted at RCSWD Transfer Station. Fifteen (15) gallon limit at Green Mountain Compost. Last resort accepted as trash.
D (BACK TO TOP) Dehumidifiers
  • See Freon-containing Appliances
Demolition/Deconstruction debris
  • The Gleason Rd Transfer Station accepts asphalt shingles and other construction and demolition supplies at a cost
  • Contact Markowski Construction, Pittsford, VT, for concrete and asphalt disposal recycling option at 802.483.6469. Contact Wilk Paving for asphalt disposal recycling at 802.438.5454
Diabetic supplies
  • Put in labeled container, tape shut, and place in trash. Make sure sharps are covered
Diapers
  • Diapers should be placed in landfill trash only. Diapers are NOT compostable or recyclable. Even diapers labeled “compostable” are NOT accepted in Drop-Off Composting and should NOT be placed in your backyard compost pile. (Human and pet waste should not be placed in compost piles in any form.)
Diesel fuel
  • Hazardous Waste, accepted at Gleason Rd or bring to a Hazardous Waste Collection Day
Dishwashers
  • See Scrap Metal
Dive tanks
  • Not accepted at Transfer Stations, contact distributor and send back
Documents/records
  • Recycle without shredding unless confidential
  • Loose, shredded documents accepted as recycling
Doors
  • Used doors in good condition are accepted at Architectural Salvage Warehouse (Essex Junction) 802-879-4221 and ReSource Building Material Center (Burlington) 802-658-4143
  • Accepted as trash at RCSWD drop-off(except Hinesburg) or put in the ReUse Zone at the Operator's discretion
  • Hollow core door: $6.50 /Solid core door: $10.00 /Sliding glass door: $10.00-$14.00 per section /Garage door: $10.00-$18.00 per section
Drain cleaners
  • Hazardous Waste, accepted at Gleason Rd Transfer Station or bring to a Hazardous Waste Collection Day
Drink boxes
  • Not recyclable here, throw into trash.
  • If you wish to recycle them,send them to Tidewater Fibers at 12206 Old Stage Rd Chester, VA 23836. Drain, rinse, and flatten before sending in, plastic cartons are recyclable
Driveway sealers
  • Hazardous Waste, accepted at Gleason Rd Transfer Station or bring to a Hazardous Waste Collection Day
Dryer
  • See Scrap Metal
Drywall
  • A.k.a. sheetrock; see Construction Debris
DVD discs
  • See Compact Discs
DVD Players
  • See Electronic/Electric items
E (BACK TO TOP) E-book readers
  • Accepted as E-waste at all Transfer Stations
E-cigarettes
  • Accepted as E-waste at all Transfer Stations
Egg cartons
  • Chicken farmers reuse egg cartons
  • Paper ones can be recycled and styrofoam ones can either be thrown away or brought to Bristol to be recycled, paper ones are also great for vermicomposting
Electronic/Electric items
  • Attempt to donate or sell if usable
  • May not go in trash or recycling. Bring to Gleason rd transfer station and some local stations
  • Products covered by Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) laws are free to dispose of. These include, Computers and peripherals (monitor, mouse keyboard), Printers and TVS
Envelopes
  • Accepted as recycling
EPS (expanded polystyrene) Exercise equipment
  • Donate or sell if in good condition
  • Accepted as scrap metal if more than 80% metal
Explosives
  • NOT accepted at any RCSWD Transfer Stations, bring to Vermont State Police 802-878-7111
External drives
  • E-Waste: May not go in trash or recycling. Bring to Brandon, Castleton, Mt. Holly, or Gleason rd transfer station
  • If the product is still in working condition, try to sell or donate it
Eyeglasses
  • Used eyeglasses can be donated year-round through collection boxes located at offices of members of the American Optometric Association, Goodwill stores and Lens Crafters, bring non-scratched corrective glasses and any non-scratched sunglasses to the ARCC.
F (BACK TO TOP) Fans
  • If 80% metal, see Scrap Metal
  • Plastic: See Electronic/Electric items
Fax machines
  • See Electronic/Electric items
Fencing
  • In good condition, consider donating it, treated/painted wood accepted as construction debris, untreated wood accepted as natural wood waste, items more than 80% metal are accepted as scrap metal, all accepted at RCSWD Transfer stations
  • Treated wood $9-$14 per 8' section
Fertilizer
  • Hazardous waste, bring to Gleason Rd or to a transfer station on Hazardous Waste Collection Day
Firearms
  • Gun shops will accept guns new or used, contact one near you
  • NOT accepted at any Transfer Stations
Fire extinguishers
  • Contact manufacturer to see if they can be refilled
  • Empty ABC-class can be taken as scrap metal, accepted empty or full at the Environmental Depot
Fireworks
  • Hazardous Waste: Unused and malfunctional fireworks can be dropped off at the Hazardous Waste Depot or during a collection event
  • Spent fireworks may be placed in trash
Flags
  • Bring your American Flag to a VFW or an American Legion and they will dispose of it with the tradition of burning it or you could do it yourself following the proper tradition
Flares
  • All types accepted at Transfer Stations
Floppy Disks
  • They can be recycled through floppydisk.com, or are otherwise trash.
Float Switches
  • If containing mercury, bring to Gleason Rd or to a Transfer Station on a Hazardous Waste Collection Day
Fluorescent ballasts
  • Accepted as Hazardous Waste on Gleason Rd or bring to a Transfer Station on Hazardous Waste Collection Day
Fluorescent bulbs, lamps and tubes
  • Fluorescent bulbs (CFLs, tube bulbs) contain mercury and are banned from being thrown in the trash. Find acceptable drop-off locations here.
  • Accepted as Hazardous Waste on Gleason Rd or bring to a Transfer Station on Hazardous Waste Collection Day
Foam trays
  • Foam products are not accepted in mixed recycling. Clean foam trays with no food residue may be sent to a specified location for recycling. 
  • See EPS (Expanded Polystyrene)
Fondue maker
  • Donate or sell if in good condition
  • If more than 80% metal it is accepted as scrap metal at Transfer Stations
Food for donation
  • Food that is still edible and properly handled may be donated to local food assistance organizations. See our web page for more info: "Food Donation in Rutland County"
Food scraps Food processors
  • Donate or sell if in good condition
  • If more than 80% metal it is accepted as scrap metal at all Transfer Stations
  • Throw away at last resort
Freezers
  • See Freon-containing Appliances
Freon-containing Appliances
  • Donate if in working condition.
  • Check if your transfer station accepts these: Refrigerators, Freezers, Air Conditioning units, and dehumidifiers contain freon- a toxic chemical banned from trash or unauthorized disposal. These units must be serviced by a licensed technician to remove the gas properly, which often has an associated cost.
Frying pans
  • If more than 80% metal it is accepted as scrap metal at all Transfer Stations, NOT in mixed recycling
Fuel
  • Hazardous Waste, bring to Gleason Rd or a Transfer Station on Hazardous Waste Collection Day
Fuel additives
  • Hazardous Waste, bring to Gleason Rd or a Transfer Station on Hazardous Waste Collection Day
Fuel tanks
  • Make sure all fuel is removed and it will be accepted as scrap metal if more than 80% metal at all Transfer Stations
Fungicides
  • Hazardous Waste, accepted at Gleason Rd or at a Transfer Station on Hazardous Waste Collection Day
Furnaces and other heating equipment
  • If in good condition, donate
  • If more than 80% metal, it can be accepted as scrap metal at Transfer Station
Furniture
  • If not usable, Transfer Stations will collect it as debris
  • Sell or donate if in good condition
Furniture polish
  • Hazardous Waste, bring to Gleason Rd or to a Transfer Station on Hazardous Waste Collection Day
Furniture strippers
  • Hazardous Waste, bring to Gleason Rd or to a Transfer Station on Hazardous Waste Collection Day
G (BACK TO TOP) Games (board, video)
  • Donate or sell if in good condition
  • Accepted as trash at all Transfer Stations
Game Consoles
  • See Electronic/Electric items
Garbage disposal
  • Accepted at all Transfer Stations
Gable-top (waxed, aseptic) milk and juice containers
  • Accepted as landfill, NOT recyclable because of the materials it is made out of
  • If you wish to recycle them,send them to Tidewater Fibers at 12206 Old Stage Rd Chester, VA 23836. Drain, rinse, and flatten before sending in, plastic cartons are recyclable
Gas cans
  • Make sure all fuel is brought to the Hazardous Waste Depot. If more than 80% metal, it can be accepted as scrap metal, otherwise it can be reused or put in trash
Gas cylinders
  • NOT accepted at Transfer Stations, contact distributor and send back
Gasoline and diesel fuel
  • Hazardous Waste, bring to Gleason Rd or to a Transfer Station on a Hazardous Waste Collection Day
Gift Wrap
  • Put in with household trash.
  • Use paper bags, tissue paper and newspaper, or reusable gift bags instead of wrapping paper. Try reusing wrapping paper by avoiding tape and removing gently, then smooth out, fold up, and save for next year!
Glass
  • Bottles & Jars- Food and beverage containers go into general recycling
  • Window panes and other ceramic glass are accepted at Transfer Stations as construction and demolition debris, window pane glass and glassware should be put into the trash.
Glasses
  • See eyeglasses
Glues/adhesives
  • Hazardous Waste, bring to Gleason Rd or to a Transfer Station on a Hazardous Waste Collection Day
Golf equipment
  • Donate to Replay Sports if still usable, accepted as scrap if more than 80% metal at all Transfer Stations
GPS unit
  • Accepted as E-waste at all Transfer Stations
  • Donate or sell if still in good condition
Grease
  • Five(5) gallon limit, accepted as food scraps, Fifteen(15) gallon limit at Green Mountain Compost, accepted as landfill for last resort, large volumes are banned from landfill
Greeting cards
  • Recyclable at all Transfer Stations except for ones made with foil, mylar, metallic foil or if there is significant amount of glitter or felt on them
Grill(electric)
  • Sell or donate if still in good condition
  • Accepted as scrap metal at all Transfer Stations if more than 80% metal
Guitar
  • Donate or sell if in good condition, Recycled Reading of Vermont Books and Instruments in Bristol VT will take instruments
  • http://www.sharethemusicvt.org/
Guns
  • See Firearms
H (BACK TO TOP) Hair
  • Can be put into compost or thrown outside for birds to make nests
  • Grow a ponytail at least 10 inches and donate to make wigs for cancer patients
Hangers
  • Reuse is the best option for any hanger. Some local organizations that sell used clothing might welcome your hangers
  • Hanger recycling options are limited: Wire hangers (including those coated with rubber) are recyclable in the scrap-metal bin, at no charge, at all Drop-Off Centers. Wooden hangers may be put in the “clean wood” bunker where available at a Drop-Off Center ONLY IF the wood has not been glued, stained or otherwise coated with a finish. All other hangers must be disposed of as trash. Please do not put any hanger, of any material, in your recycling bin.
(Household) Hazardous waste Hearing aids
  • Recycle unwanted or older hearing aids and assistive devices at the Starkey Hearing Foundation. Securely package the donation and mail to: Hear Now 6700 Washington Avenue South Eden Prairie, MN 55344 866-354-3254
Hearing aid batteries
  • Refer to batteries
Heaters
  • E-Waste, bring to any Transfer Station
Hedge trimmers
  • Alliance Computer Exchange will accept them by mail and they are 80% metal they are accepted at Transfer Stations as scrap metal
  • Alliance Computer Exchange 67 West Vine st, Alliance, OH 44601
Helium tanks
  • The small 'Balloon Time' tanks are accepted all Transfer Stations, make sure all pressure is released
Herbicides
  • Hazardous Waste, bring to Gleason Rd or to a Transfer Station on a Hazardous Waste Collection Day
I (BACK TO TOP) Ice cream makers
  • Sell or donate if in good condition
  • Accepted as scrap metal if more than 80% metal
Infectious waste
  • Refer to Hazardous waste
Ink cartridges
  • Accepted at Staples in Rutland
  • Not accepted in mixed recycling
  • Put in trash as last resort
Insecticides
  • Refer to Hazardous waste
Ipods
  • E-waste, accepted at all Transfer Stations
  • Donate or sell if in good condition
Irons
  • If containing mercury (thermometer), it must be managed as a mercury containing device
  • If more than 80% metal it can be taken as scrap metal at the Transfer Stations
  • If in good condition sell or donate
J (BACK TO TOP) Jet skis
  • Vehicle Disposal Recycling Center 888-495-5886 accepts
  • Donate or sell if in good condition
Juice cartons and broth boxes
  • See Drink boxes
Juicers
  • Donate or sell if in good condition
  • Accepted as scrap metal at Transfer Stations if more than 80% metal
Junk mail
  • Even though most junk mail is completely recyclable, a better option is to stop it before it’s produced. The two key steps are: Remove your name from existing mailing lists and Prevent your name from getting on new lists.
  • OptOutPrescreen.com (credit card and insurance offers), dmachoice.org (general direct marketing offers), directmail.com (national opt-out list), yellowpagesoptout.com (phone directories), catalogchoice.org
K (BACK TO TOP) K-cups, coffee and tea pods
  • K-Cups cannot currently be recycled in Rutland County. They should be disposed of with regular landfill trash or sent to the recycling facility in CT.
  • If the K-Cup materials are separated, only the coffee grounds and paper lining can be placed with food scraps for compost. If free of coffee grounds, aluminum lids can be combined into a large ball and placed in your blue bin or in a scrap metal bin at any Drop-Off Center.
  • The plastic cup is too small to be recycled in our facility, and should be placed in regular trash. Pods containing tea or coffee with a simple fabric or paper shell can be placed in backyard compost piles.
Keyboards
  • See Electronic/Electric items
Kids items
  • See Children items
L (BACK TO TOP) Ladder
  • Accepted at all Transfer Stations, if more than 80% metal it is accepted as scrap metal
Lamps
  • Donate or sell if in good condition,
  • Accepted at all Transfer Stations, if made up of more than 80% metal it can be put into the scrap metal pile
Landscaping timbers
  • See Building materials
Laptops
  • Sell or donate if in good condition
  • E-waste, accepted at all Transfer Stations
Laser toner
  • See Inkjet Cartridges
    Check if the NEW cartridge purchased comes with an envelope to send the old one back
Latex gloves
  • Accepted at all Transfer Stations as trash
  • If used to handle medical waste put in a labeled bag
Latex paint
  • Check out the Paint Care web site to learn how to estimate the amount of paint needed, and to see the closest drop-off locations.
  • Do not let paint dry out intentionally. Then it won't be recyclable through the hazardous waste program.
  • Paint and paint thinners from households are accepted for free at Gleason Rd and a Transfer Station during Hazardous Waste Collection
Lawn/garden equipment
  • If in good condition sell or donate, if more than 80% metal accepted as scrap metal at all Transfer Stations
Lead
  • Fishing sinkers accepted as scrap metal
  • Paint chips are considered Hazardous Waste bring to a Transfer Station on a collection day
Leaves, grass and yard debris
  • Use as compost
  • Yard waste with no sticks in it (leaves/grass) are accepted at all Transfer Stations. Natural wood, including stumps, are accepted as brush.
LED lights
  • Attempt to donate if usable
  • LED lights are not hazardous, and can go in the regular trash if they no longer work
Lead-acid Batteries
  • Drop off at Hazardous Waste Depot
  • Some Auto shops and mechanics accept batteries as trade-in
Light bulbs
  • Halogen, incandescent, and infrared light bulbs do not contain hazardous materials and can be disposed of with regular household trash
  • Please see the entry under mercury containing lamps for specific information on CFLS and other types of bulbs that do contain hazardous materials.
Lighter fluid
  • Hazardous Waste, bring to Gleason Rd or to a Transfer Station on Hazardous Waste Collection Day
Linens
  • See Textiles
Litter
  • NOT compostable, throw in trash
M (BACK TO TOP) Magazines
  • Check with library to see if there is a swap area, waiting rooms, daycares, senior citizen centers and art teachers might be interested
  • Recyclable
Mandatory recyclables
  • These items are required by the Department of Environmental Conservation to be separated from the trash and recycled. They may be placed in curbside bins or brought to any transfer station: aluminum & steel cans, aluminum foil, aluminum pie plates, glass food & beverage bottles & jars, rigid plastic packaging & containers, boxboard & corrugated cardboard, white & colored paper, newspaper, magazines, catalogs, paper mail & envelopes, paper bags.
Manure
  • Accepted at Middlebury Casella (866)-356-7005; Open Monday thru Friday 7am-6
  • Compost in backyard: it's great for plants!
Maple tubing
  • Bring this material to the Northwest Vermont Solid Waste Management District in Georgia, VT, where it will be baled and hauled away for recycling. NWSWMD accepts tubing year-round. Please call ahead to make arrangements. Contact Tom Reynolds at (802) 524-5986; info@nwswd.org. Polyethylene (PE) tubing only. NO PVC tubing. To determine whether your tubing is made from PE or PVC: clip off a sample and put it in a bowl of water. PE floats; PVC sinks. Plastic taps, tees and other fittings are OK to leave attached to tubing. Material must be as clean as possible in order to make this recycling program successful. If possible, cut mainline into 4-foot lengths. Coil or bundle tubing. Tie bundles together with tubing; do not use string or other material. NO drainage, sewer, or water service lines. NO string or metal of any kind (wires, wire ties, metal hose clamps).
Marine depth finders
  • If containing mercury, bring to Gleason Rd or a Transfer Station on Hazardous Waste Collection Day
Marine flares
  • Not accepted at Transfer Stations, contact local police
Markers
  • Send them back to Crayola where they will be separated and turned into fuel, caps and tubes are recyclable
Mattresses
  • Accepted at all Transfer Stations as mixed debris
  • Charged by weight, minimum of 100 lbs
Medical equipment
  • Call Get At Stuff (1-888-827-2714) along with Vermont Assistive Technology Program (800-750-6355)
  • Wayward Wheels Inc., 1 Sunnyside Terrace, Montpelier, VT 05602-2153, tel. 229-0093 or email: sylak@comcast.net
  • If more than 80% metal, accepted as scrap metal at all Transfer Stations
Medical waste
  • Needles, Syringes and other medical sharps from home care must be properly contained in a durable plastic container (such as a laundry bottle), taped shut, and labeled "DO NOT RECYCLE" and thrown in trash. See the full guidance for proper disposal and what to do as a commercial generator of large quantities of medical waste.
Medications
  • Some pharmacies have free take-back programs, as well as the Rutland Sheriff's office inside their lobby at 88 Grove Street. The hours of accepting controlled and non-controlled substances are Monday-Saturday from 6:30 a.m. through Midnight and Sundays from 6:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
  • Click here to get more information on why/where to dispose
Mercury-containing devices
  • Hazardous Waste: May not be thrown in trash or recycling. Bring to Gleason Rd Transfer Station depot or a Hazardous Waste Collection event.
  • Find out what products contain mercury. Mercury can be found in various devices in residential buildings. When a mercury-containing product breaks and the mercury is spilled, the exposed mercury can evaporate and become an invisible, odorless toxic vapor.
Metal cleaners or polishes
  • Hazardous Waste, bring to Gleason Rd or to a Transfer Station on a Hazardous Waste Collection Day
Metal, scrap
  • Accepted at all Transfer Stations
Microfilms
  • Landfill
Microwave ovens
  • Sell or donate if in good condition
  • If more than 80% metal accepted as scrap metal at all Transfer Stations
Milk cartons
  • Wax coated are not recyclable, throw into trash
  • If you wish to recycle them,send them to Tidewater Fibers at 12206 Old Stage Rd Chester, VA 23836. Drain, rinse, and flatten before sending in, plastic cartons are recyclable
Mirrors
  • Sell or donate if still in good condition
  • Throw away in trash if broken
  • Wrap in plastic bag to make sure all sharps are covered
Mixers(electric)
  • Donate or sell if in good condition
  • If more than 80% metal, accepted as scrap metal at all Transfer Stations
Mothballs
  • Hazardous Waste, bring to Gleason Rd or a Transfer Station during a Hazardous Waste Collection Day
Modems
  • E-waste, accepted at all Transfer Stations
  • Sell or donate if in good condition
Monitors (Computer)
  • See Electronic/Electric items
Motorcycles
  • Part out and sell what you can
  • Accepted as scrap metal if more than 80% metal
Motor oil
  • Most auto part stores accept oil and filters to be recycled
  • Call your local Transfer Station to see if they have an oil dump tank, otherwise bring to Gleason Rd or a Transfer Station during Hazardous Waste Collection Day
Mouse(computer)
  • See Electronic/Electric items
Movies
  • Donate or sell if in good condition
  • Accepted at Transfer Stations in a bag with other miscellaneous E-waste for $5
MP3 players
  • See Electronic/Electric items
N (BACK TO TOP) Nail polish/remover
  • Hazardous waste, bring to Gleason Rd or a Transfer Station on Hazardous Waste Collection Day
Needles
  • See Medical Waste
Newspapers
  • Use as wrapping paper
  • Shred and use in compost
  • Accepted as recycling at all Transfer Stations
Newspaper sleeves/bags
  • See Bags: plastic
NCR, carbonless, and thermal paper
  • Carbonless (NCR) paper cannot be recycled and must be disposed of in your regular trash. To avoid sending this to the landfill, don't ask for a receipt from digital payment machines.
Nicotine
  • NEW or UNUSED nicotine pharmaceutical products (i.e. patches, gum, lozenges, inhalers, or sprays – including e-cigarette cartridges) must go to the HHW Depot. They are classified as Hazardous Waste by the EPA.
  • Used nicotine pharmaceutical products (from which the nicotine has been fully spent) can be discarded with your regular trash or at RCSWD transfer stations.
O (BACK TO TOP) Oil absorbents
  • Hazardous waste, bring to Gleason Rd or to a Transfer Station on a Hazardous Waste Collection Day
Oil, automobile
  • Hazardous waste, bring to Gleason Rd or to a Transfer Station on a Hazardous Waste Collection Day
Oil, cooking
  • See Grease
Oil filters
  • Drain well, accepted crushed and uncrushed at Hazardous waste depot or collection
Oil paint
  • Check out the Paint Care web site to learn how to estimate the amount of paint needed, and to see the closest drop-off locations.
  • Do not let paint dry out intentionally. Then it won't be recyclable through the hazardous waste program.
  • Paint and paint thinners from households are accepted for free at Gleason Rd and a Transfer Station during Hazardous Waste Collection
Oil tanks
  • Oil tanks must be cut open and sludge removed. Once it is dry, empty tanks are accepted as scrap metal at Transfer Stations
Oven cleaners
  • Hazardous Waste, bring to Gleason Rd or to a Transfer Station on Hazardous Waste Collection Day
Oxygen tanks
  • Contact supplier and send back, not accepted at Transfer Stations
P (BACK TO TOP) Packaging materials
  • Styrofoam packing peanuts can be reused by other businesses
Pagers
  • E-waste, accepted at all Transfer Stations
Paint, thinner & stain: latex, oil or spray
  • Check out the Paint Care web site to learn how to estimate the amount of paint needed, and to see the closest drop-off locations.
  • Do not let paint dry out intentionally. Then it won't be recyclable through the hazardous waste program.
  • Paint and paint thinners from households are accepted for free at Gleason Rd and a Transfer Station during Hazardous Waste Collection
Pallets
  • Reuse or bring to Myers Recycling Center at (802-655-4312)
Paper (mixed)
  • Carbonless (NCR, receipts) paper cannot be recycled and must be disposed of in your regular trash. To avoid sending this to the landfill, don't ask for a receipt from digital payment machines. Wrapping paper is not recyclable either and must go in trash.
  • Most other paper accepted as recyclable
Paperboard
  • Accepted as recycling at all Transfer Stations
Paper bags
  • Reuse
  • Accepted as recycling or compost at all Transfer Stations
Pesticides
  • Hazardous waste, bring to Gleason Rd or to a Transfer Station during Hazardous Waste Collection Day
Pellet Bags
  • See Bags: plastic; Only recyclable through certain plastic film programs (call before to check). Make sure they are cut to open and shaken out.
Pharmaceuticals
  • See Medications
Phones
  • Cell phones go in battery boxes at the  Hazardous Waste depot, or visit call2recycle.org/locator to find a location near you. Landline phones are E-waste, accepted at all Transfer Stations
Phone books
  • Accepted as recycling at all Transfer Stations
Photocopier
  • Sell or donate if in good condition
  • Accepted as E-waste at all Transfer Stations
Pizza boxes
  • Clean pizza boxes are accepted for recycling at all Transfer Stations and by most haulers offering curbside recycling in Rutland County.
  • Boxes must be free of food debris. 
  • If the pizza box is greasy or food-contaminated, and made of cardboard, it can still be composted.
Plastics
  • Empty, clean 3D containers may be recycled as long as they are at least 2" in any direction. Check the bottoms to make sure they are labeled 1 (PET), 2 (HDPE) or 5 (PP).
  • Plastics are harmful to human health and other living beings in various ways. Learn how to reduce and eliminate plastic from your lifestyle through these resources.
Plastic Bags
  • Reuse
  • Return back to grocery stores that will accept them- this includes other clean, thin plastic film (wood pellet bags, sandwich bags, etc..)
  • Landfill at last choice- DO NOT recycle in household recycling
Plywood
  • See Construction debris
  • Plywood is illegal to burn, and must be put in the trash if it can't be reused for another purpose.
Popcorn poppers
  • Donate or sell if in good condition
  • Accepted as scrap metal if more than 80% metal
Portable cooler
  • Donate or sell if in good condition
  • Landfill
Power steering fluid
  • Hazardous Waste, bring to Gleason Rd or to a Transfer Station on Hazardous Waste Collection Day
Power chords, cables and chargers
  • Electrical cords may be placed into scrap metal, chargers should be kept with the item, bags of chargers are accepted at all Transfer Stations
Prescription Drugs
  • See Medications
Pressure cooker
  • Sell or donate if in good condition
  • Accepted as scrap metal if more than 80% metal
Pressure treated wood
  • Accepted as construction debris at all Transfer Stations except Hinesburg, larger loads accepted at Casella in Williston along with the Transfer Station
Pressurized tanks
  • See Helium tanks, Oxygen tank, Fire extinguisher, Propane tanks, Freon tanks accepted at all Transfer Stations
Propane tanks
  • Exchange for a full tank at a store that offers
  • See Household Hazardous Waste
Printer
  • Sell or donate if in good condition
  • E-waste, accepted at all Transfer Stations
Printer Ink Cartridges
  • Accepted at Staples in Rutland
  • Not accepted in mixed recycling
  • Put in trash as last resort
Projectors
  • E-waste, accepted at all Transfer Stations
Projector bulbs
  • Accepted at all Transfer Stations
Pumps
  • Accepted as scrap metal if more than 80% metal
Purses
  • Sell or donate if in good condition
  • Landfill last resort
Puzzles
  • Sell or donate if in good condition
  • Accepted as recycling at all Transfer Stations
PVC pipe
  • If still in useable condition, donate to a local reuse organization for construction materials, otherwise place in trash
R (BACK TO TOP) Radiator fluid
  • Hazardous waste, bring to Gleason Rd or a Transfer Station on Hazardous Waste Collection Day
Radioactive waste
  • Currently NOT accepted anywhere in Vermont
Radios
  • E-waste, accepted at all Transfer Stations
Railroad ties
  • Small amounts accepted as trash at all Transfer Stations
  • Large loads should be brought taken to a privately owned Transfer Station
Ranges
  • Sell or donate if still in good condition
  • Accepted as scrap metal at all Transfer Stations if more than 80% metal
Razors
  • Put in with household trash
Rechargeable batteries
  • Hazardous waste, bring to Gleason Rd or a Transfer Station during Hazardous Waste Collection Day
  • Refer to Batteries
Records, paper
  • Shred only if confidential and put in with recycling
Records, vinyl
  • Vinyl Van (802-658-4143) will pick up residential for a small fee
  • Contact music businesses to see if they will buy or accept vinyl
  • Donate or sell if in good condition
Recyclables
  • Accepted at all transfer stations in Vermont. Must be clean and dry food and drink containers or paper and cardboard. See the Vermonter's Guide to Recycling.
Refrigerators
  • See Freon-containing Appliances
Ribbons
  • Save and reuse, otherwise put in trash
Road salt
  • Substances used to melt ice on sidewalks and driveways–chemical ice melt, rock salt, road salt, sodium chloride–are not hazardous and can be thrown away in your household trash.
S (BACK TO TOP) Sand
  • NOT accepted at Transfer Stations
  • Use to fill in holes on your property or driveway
Sand bags
  • Refer to Sand
Scanners
  • Sell or donate if in good condition
  • E-waste, accepted at all Transfer Stations
Scrap Metal
  • Anything that is 80% or more metal. Includes white goods (not containing freon). Accepted at most transfer stations.
School supplies
  • Reuse until no longer usable
  • Recycle paper
Sealants and coatings
  • Hazardous waste, bring to Gleason Rd or to a Transfer Station on a Hazardous Waste Collection Day
Sewage
  • NOT accepted at any Transfer Stations
  • Contact a sewage collecting company
Sharps
  • See Medical Waste
Shavers(electric)
  • E-waste, accepted at all Transfer Stations
Sheets
  • See Linen
Shoes
  • Donate or sell if in good condition
  • Accepted as trash at last resort
Shoe polish
  • Hazardous waste, bring to Gleason Rd or to a Transfer Station on Hazardous Waste Collection Day
Shredded documents
  • Recyclable (not in bags)
Signs
  • Accepted as scrap metal if more than 80% metal
  • Cardboard or paper sign are recyclable
Silver polish
  • Hazardous waste, bring to Gleason road or to a Transfer Station on Hazardous Waste Collection Day
Sinks
  • If more than 80% metal, it is accepted as scrap metal at all Transfer Stations
  • Ceramic sinks can be brought: to Architectural Salvage Warehouse 11 Maple Street, Essex Junction (802-879-4221)
  • Habitat for Humanity ReStore 528 Essex Road, Williston (802-857-5296)
  • ReSource Building Materials Center Pine Street, Burlington (802-846-4015)
  • A. Marcelino & Co., Landfill Rd. (off Patchen Rd.), So. Burlington (802-862-6383)
  • Ranger Asphalt & Concrete Processing LLC
  • 1607 Malletts Bay Ave., Colchester (802-655-2005) will crush and recycle for a small fee
Slow cookers
  • Donate or sell if in good condition
  • Accepted as scrap metal if more than 80% metal
Smoke detectors
  • Accepted as landfill
  • Many manufacturers of smoke detectors have voluntary take-back programs for safe disposal of these items. Be sure to verify current packaging and shipping requirements directly with the manufacturer. Other options for mail-in recycling exist as well.
  • Businesses should call the Vermont Environmental Assistance Division in Waterbury at (802) 241-3745. Limitations, regulations and other specifications: Ionization smoke detectors do contain a small amount of a low-level radioactive isotope. Care should be used in handling these items, but the material is not considered hazardous to people or pets at the levels present in household smoke detectors.
Soil
  • Reference to Sand
Solar panels
  • Businesses should call the Vermont Environmental Assistance Division in Waterbury at (802) 241-3745
Solvent
  • Hazardous waste, bring to Gleason road or to a Transfer Station on a Hazardous Waste Collection Day
Solvent-contaminated wipes
  • Hazardous Waste, bring to Gleason rd or to a Transfer Station on a Hazardous Waste Collection Day
Speakers
  • Accepted as E-waste at all Transfer Stations
Sports equipment
  • Donate or sell if in good condition
  • If more than 80% metal, accepted as scrap metal
Stain
  • Hazardous Waste, bring to Gleason rd or to a Transfer Station on a Hazardous Waste Collection Day
Stapler (electric)
  • Accepted as E-waste at all Transfer Stations
  • Donate or sell if in good condition
Starter fluid
  • Hazardous Waste, bring to Gleason Rd or to a Transfer Station on a Hazardous Waste Collection Day
Steel (tin) cans
  • Accepted as recycling
Stereos
  • See Electronic/Electric items
Stoves
  • Banned from landfill, accepted as scrap metal
Styrofoam Sunglasses
  • See Eyeglasses
Syringes
  • See Medical Waste
T (BACK TO TOP) Tablets and E-books
  • Accepted as E-waste at all Transfer Stations
Tanks: fuel
  • See Gas cans
Tar
  • Hazardous Waste, bring to Gleason Rd or bring to a Transfer Station on Hazardous Waste Collection Day
Tar Paper
  • See Construction debris
Televisions (TVs)
  • See Electronic/Electric items
Textiles
  • Donate or sell if in good condition and CLEAN
  • Several local churches also accept good, used clothing, contact your local church to see what items they accept
  • More information on donating here
Thermometers and thermostats
  • See Mercury-containing devices
Tillers
  • Sell or donate if in good condition
  • If more than 80% metal, accepted as scrap metal
Tires
  • Tires are banned from landfill disposal. Check if your transfer station accepts them.
Toaster/toaster oven
  • Sell or donate if in good condition
  • If more than 80% metal, accepted as scrap metal
Toilet cleaners
  • Hazardous Waste, bring to Gleason rd or to a Transfer Station on a Hazardous Waste Collection Day
Toilets
  • Refer to Sinks
Toner cartridges
  • Refer to Ink Cartridges
Toothbrushes (electric)
  • Remove Batteries and dispose of properly. Remaining parts go in trash
Towels
  • Refer to Textiles
Toys
  • Sell or donate if in good condition
  • If more than 80% metal, accepted as scrap metal
Trailers
  • Two wheeled trailers accepted at Transfer Stations, anything bigger must be dismantled and brought in pieces
Transmission fluid
  • Hazardous Waste, bring to Gleason Rd or to a Transfer Station on Hazardous Waste Collection Day
Trash
  • Please donate and properly dispose of everything you can before sending items to the landfill. Some items are even banned from landfill disposal in Vermont. Up to 1 cubic yard (about 6 full 33 gallon bags) of regular household trash may be brought to any RCSWD transfer station. Residents and businesses may also contract with a trash hauling service for curbside pick-up. RCSWD does not pick up trash or recycling. Dumpsters and container rentals as well as large or special item pick-ups may be arranged with a local hauling service.
  • Accepted at all Transfer Stations
Trees
  • Banned from landfills
  • Help out a friend with firewood or have a fire!
  • Logs and brush accepted at Gleason road and some other transfer stations for a fee
Trucks
  • Sell and part out what you can
  • Accepted as scrap metal if more than 80% metal
Trumpet
  • Refer to Guitars
Tub and tile cleaner
  • Hazardous Waste, bring to Gleason rd or to a Transfer Station on Hazardous Waste Collection Day
Tung oil
  • Hazardous Waste, bring to Gleason rd or to a Transfer Station on Hazardous Waste Collection Day
Turpentine
  • Hazardous Waste, bring to Gleason rd or to a Transfer Station on Hazardous Waste Collection Day
Typewriters
  • Manual and electric ones are accepted at all Transfer Stations
  • If more than 80% metal, accepted as scrap metal
U (BACK TO TOP) UPS power supply
  • Accepted as e-waste
V (BACK TO TOP) Vacuum cleaners
  • Accepted as E-waste at most Transfer Stations
Varnishes
  • Hazardous Waste, bring to Gleason Rd or to a Transfer Station on Hazardous Waste Collection Day
Vases
  • Sell or donate if in good condition
  • Reference Glass for glass vases
VCRs
  • See Electronic/Electric items
Vegetable oil
  • Larger, regularly-generated quantities of cooking oil can often can be collected and beneficially reused. Ask the company that supplies you with oils to recommend a collection agent. Use of vegetable oils for fuel in converted diesel cars is increasing. Alternatively, the following businesses or individuals accept commercial quantities of used cooking oil and grease for recycling. Call each business or individual directly for fees and details.
  • Baker Commodities – Williston, VT – 802-659-0721
  • Amenico – Pittsfield NH – 603-228-3611
  • EnviroTek, USA – Billerica, MA – 1-800-405-9983
  • White Mountain Biodiesel, LLC – North Haverhill, NH – 603-728-7351,
  • Nava Bio-Energy Ltd – Brookfield, VT – 802-272-4879
Vehicles
  • See Trucks
Video games
  • See Games
Video game players
  • Accepted as E-waste at all Transfer Stations
Video tapes
  • Attempt to donate, unless broken
  • These items are not accepted in your blue bin or curbside recycling program
  • GreenDisk is an independent company that provides recycling of videotapes
  • Accepted as household trash at all Transfer Stations
W (BACK TO TOP) Waffle makers
  • Donate or sell if in good condition
  • Accepted as scrap metal if more than 80% metal
Walkers
  • Refer to Medical equipment
  • Accepted as scrap metal if more than 80% metal
Water heaters
  • Accepted for a small fee at all Transfer Station
Water softener tanks
  • Accepted as scrap metal if more than 80% metal
Washing Machines
  • Sell or donate if still in good condition
  • Accepted as scrap metal at all Transfer Stations if more than 80% metal
Wax paper
  • Place in with regular trash
  • NOT recyclable or compostable
Wheelchairs
  • Refer to Medical Equipment
Wine corks
  • Visit the Recork web site for options, send them to a company in Missouri called Yemm and Hart, Cheese Traders & Wine Sellers in South Burlington will also accept wine corks (both natural and synthetic) for recycling from their customers.
  • Put in household trash
Wiper fluid
  • Hazardous Waste, bring to Gleason rd or to a Transfer Station on a Hazardous Waste Collection Day
Wireless device
  • Considered E-waste, accepted at all Transfer Stations
Woks
  • Sell or donate if in good condition
  • If more than 80% metal, accepted as scrap metal
Wood: yard waste
  • Refer to Lawn Clippings
Wood cleaners
  • Hazardous Waste, bring to Gleason rd or to a Transfer Station on a Hazardous Waste Collection Day
Wood preservatives
  • Hazardous Waste, bring to Gleason rd or to a Transfer Station on a Hazardous Waste Collection Day
Wrapping paper
  • Put in with household trash
  • Use paper bags, tissue paper and newspaper, or reusable gift bags instead of wrapping paper. Try reusing wrapping paper by avoiding tape and removing gently, then smooth out, fold up, and save for next year!
X (BACK TO TOP) X-rays
  • These films contain small amounts of silver, which is hazardous even in minute quantities
  • Bring to Gleason Rd or to a Transfer Station on Hazardous Waste Collection Day
Y (BACK TO TOP) Yard waste
  • Refer to Lawn Clippings
Yarn
  • Reuse what you can
  • Refer to Linen
Z (BACK TO TOP) Zinc