Burlington's Single-Use Items: The Rules That Matter

Every city handles single-use items a little differently. In Burlington, Vermont, there are 4 distinct rules that residents and property owners should be aware of. Some are stricter than what neighboring cities enforce, and others are more relaxed. Here is what you need to know.

Polystyrene Foam Rules

Vermont Act 69 prohibits expanded polystyrene foam food and beverage containers at all food service establishments. Burlington restaurants, cafes, and food trucks must use compliant alternatives like compostable or recyclable containers.

Key details: Effective: July 1, 2020. Statute: VT Act 69 of 2019. Scope: Food service only. Manufacturer exemption: Pre-packaged food. Enforcer: VT Attorney General.

Food service operators using prohibited polystyrene containers face civil penalties enforced by the Vermont Attorney General and may be ordered to switch suppliers immediately.

This is not one of those rules that cities tend to ignore. Burlington actively enforces its polystyrene foam rules requirements.

Utensils-On-Request

Burlington food service follows Vermont practice of distributing single-use plastic utensils only when customers request them. Reducing default utensil distribution aligns with Lake Champlain protection efforts and waste reduction goals.

Key details: Default practice: By request only. Encouraged by: Climate Action Plan. Compost accepted: Compostable utensils. Waste goal: Net zero by 2030. Scope: Voluntary citywide.

While not a direct violation under Act 69, businesses excessively distributing plastic waste may face customer complaints and missed waste diversion targets.

Plastic Bag Rules

Vermont Act 69 of 2019 bans single-use plastic carryout bags at retail stores statewide, including Burlington. Stores must offer recycled paper or reusable bags, with a minimum charge per paper bag.

Key details: Effective: July 1, 2020. Statute: VT Act 69 of 2019. Paper bag fee: 10 cents minimum. Scope: Statewide. Enforcer: VT Attorney General.

Retailers providing banned plastic bags face civil penalties of up to several hundred dollars per day enforced by the Vermont Attorney General's office.

This is one of the stricter rules in Burlington's municipal code. If you are unsure whether your situation complies, it is worth checking with the city before proceeding.

Plastic Straw Rules

Vermont Act 69 requires food service establishments to provide plastic straws only upon customer request. Burlington restaurants and cafes cannot proactively distribute plastic straws but may offer alternatives freely.

Key details: Effective: July 1, 2020. Rule: By request only. Exempt items: Paper compostable straws. Statute: VT Act 69 of 2019. Drive-through: Same rule applies.

Establishments distributing plastic straws without customer request face civil penalties from the Vermont Attorney General and warnings on first offense.

The Bottom Line

Burlington is tougher than many cities when it comes to single-use items. Out of the 4 rules covered here, 2 are rated strict. If you are a homeowner, renter, or business owner in Burlington, take the time to understand these requirements before they become a problem. Most violations come with fines, and some repeat violations can escalate.

Keep in mind that Burlington can amend these rules at any council meeting. For the most current version of any rule mentioned here, check the specific ordinance page, where we track updates as they happen.