Vermont Statewide Rule

Vermont Universal Recycling Law Bans Food Scraps

Heavy RestrictionsApplies statewide across Vermont (2026)

Vermont's Universal Recycling Law (Act 148) prohibits disposal of food scraps in landfills statewide. All residents and businesses must compost or otherwise divert food waste from trash, applying uniformly across all municipalities without local opt-out authority.

Key Facts

Statute: 10 V.S.A. § 6605k
Effective date: July 1, 2020
Act number: Act 148 of 2012
Yard debris ban: Since 2016
Enforcement: Agency of Natural Resources

Source: Vermont General Assembly

Full Breakdown

Under 10 V.S.A. § 6605k, Vermont banned food scraps from landfill disposal effective July 1, 2020. Residents must manage food waste through home composting, backyard composting, feeding to chickens, or curbside collection where available. Solid waste haulers must offer organics collection alongside trash and recycling. The law applies universally; municipalities and solid waste districts implement collection but cannot exempt residents from the disposal ban. Agency of Natural Resources enforces the statewide ban, with leaf and yard debris also restricted from landfill since 2016.

Violations & Penalties

Disposal of food scraps in trash violates 10 V.S.A. § 6605k. ANR may issue administrative penalties up to $42,500 per violation under 10 V.S.A. § 8010 for repeated commercial violations.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Vermont towns opt out of the food scrap ban?

No. Act 148 applies statewide under 10 V.S.A. § 6605k. Municipalities and solid waste districts implement collection logistics but cannot exempt residents from the landfill disposal prohibition.

Do I have to use curbside organics collection?

No. Residents may compost at home, feed scraps to chickens, or use drop-off sites. The mandate prohibits landfill disposal but permits any lawful diversion method.

Are meat and bones included in the ban?

Yes. All food scraps, including meat, dairy, and bones, are banned from landfill disposal. Residents unable to compost these at home should use curbside or transfer station collection.

Sources

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