Vermont Statewide Rule

Vermont Universal Recycling Law (Act 148)

Heavy RestrictionsApplies statewide across Vermont (2026)

Vermont's Universal Recycling Law (Act 148, codified at 10 V.S.A. ยง 6605k) bans recyclables, leaf and yard debris, clean wood, and food scraps from landfill disposal statewide. Every household, business, and hauler must follow the disposal bans.

Key Facts

Statute: 10 V.S.A. § 6605k
Recyclables banned: From landfill
Food scraps banned: Since July 2020
Hauler obligation: Parallel collection
Max penalty: $25,000/violation

Source: Vermont General Assembly

Full Breakdown

Act 148 phased in disposal bans culminating in the 2020 ban on food scraps. Today, blue-bin recyclables (paper, cardboard, glass, metal, rigid plastic), leaf and yard waste, clean wood, and food residuals may not be placed in trash bound for landfills anywhere in Vermont. Solid waste haulers must collect recyclables alongside trash and offer food-scrap collection at residential properties on regular routes. Transfer stations must accept these materials. The Agency of Natural Resources enforces against haulers and generators.

Violations & Penalties

Disposing banned materials in landfill trash: civil penalties up to $25,000 per violation under 10 V.S.A. § 8221 enforced by ANR.

Frequently Asked Questions

What materials must I recycle under Act 148?

Paper, cardboard, glass bottles, metal cans, rigid plastics, leaf and yard debris, clean wood, and food scraps may not be placed in landfill-bound trash.

Do I need to compost at home?

No. You may compost on-site, drop scraps at a transfer station, or use a hauler's curbside food-scrap service, but scraps cannot go in regular trash.

Does this apply in every town?

Yes. Act 148 is statewide and preempts looser local rules. All haulers, transfer stations, and generators must comply uniformly.

Sources

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