A - Z Waste Disposal and Recycling Guide
Antifreeze
Antifreeze is a hazardous waste and can only be disposed of at our Spring or Fall Household Hazardous Waste Collection Events at Harwood Union High School.
Appliances
These include, stoves, ranges, dishwashers, washing machines, dryers, refrigerators, freezers, air conditioners, humidifiers, dehumidifiers and microwave ovens. These can be recycled through Earthwise Transfer Station in Waitsfield, A & J Recycling in Waitsfield, and Rodney’s Rubbish Transfer Station and Redemption Center in Waterbury. There will be a fee for appliances with additional fees for freon containing appliances.
Asphalt Shingles
Can be processed through Earthwise Transfer Station in Waitsfield, A & J Recycling in Waitsfield, and Rodney's Rubbish Transfer Station and Redemption Center in Waterbury.
Batteries
Household Batteries
Primary batteries, including AA, AAA, C, D and 9 volt, button batteries and rechargeable batteries commonly found in power tools, cordless phones, laptops, cellphones, cameras, two-way radios, biomedical equipment and others are now recyclable in Vermont through one of Vermont's Product Stewardship Programs. Visit www.call2recycle.org for collection locations and program details.
Car Batteries
Car batteries are known as "wet-cell" lead-acid as they contain liquid sulfuric acid. Due to both the acid and the lead, car batteries are considered hazardous. That, and because they contain so much lead which is easily reclaimed, they should be recycled.
Cardboard
See Recyclables below.
Catalogs
A free service to help reduce unwanted paper catalogs can be found at: www.catalogchoice.org
Cell Phones
Cellphones and their batteries are easily recycled. Go to www.call2recycle.org to find collection locations.
Clothing
Reusable clothing can go to the Bargain Boutique in Waterbury.
Apparel Impact, a corporation headquartered in Hooksett, New Hampshire has added textile recycling bins in the Mad River Resource Management Alliance. The collection bins are located at Rodney’s Transfer Station in Waterbury and the Earthwise Transfer Station in Waitsfield. These bins are accessible during the hours of operation of these facilities. They will accept torn, or stained items as long as they are clean, dry and odorless. You can bring:
Construction and Demolition Debris
See https://dec.vermont.gov/waste-management/solid/materials-mgmt/construction-waste
Crank Case Oil
A certain amount of used motor oil can be deposited free of charge at the semiannual Hazardous Household Waste Collection days.
Drywall
Can be processed through Earthwise Transfer Station in Waitsfield, A & J Recycling in Waitsfield, and Rodney's Rubbish Transfer Station and Redemption Center in Waterbury.
Antifreeze is a hazardous waste and can only be disposed of at our Spring or Fall Household Hazardous Waste Collection Events at Harwood Union High School.
Appliances
These include, stoves, ranges, dishwashers, washing machines, dryers, refrigerators, freezers, air conditioners, humidifiers, dehumidifiers and microwave ovens. These can be recycled through Earthwise Transfer Station in Waitsfield, A & J Recycling in Waitsfield, and Rodney’s Rubbish Transfer Station and Redemption Center in Waterbury. There will be a fee for appliances with additional fees for freon containing appliances.
Asphalt Shingles
Can be processed through Earthwise Transfer Station in Waitsfield, A & J Recycling in Waitsfield, and Rodney's Rubbish Transfer Station and Redemption Center in Waterbury.
Batteries
Household Batteries
Primary batteries, including AA, AAA, C, D and 9 volt, button batteries and rechargeable batteries commonly found in power tools, cordless phones, laptops, cellphones, cameras, two-way radios, biomedical equipment and others are now recyclable in Vermont through one of Vermont's Product Stewardship Programs. Visit www.call2recycle.org for collection locations and program details.
Car Batteries
Car batteries are known as "wet-cell" lead-acid as they contain liquid sulfuric acid. Due to both the acid and the lead, car batteries are considered hazardous. That, and because they contain so much lead which is easily reclaimed, they should be recycled.
- When buying the new battery, ask your service station or car parts store to take the old one back. Often you can receive a discount on the new one for the "core" of the old one.
- Napa Auto Parts at 144 South Main St. in Waterbury and Fisher Auto Parts in Fiddlers Green in Waitsfield.
- They can also be brought to the semiannual Hazardous Household Waste Collection days.
Cardboard
See Recyclables below.
Catalogs
A free service to help reduce unwanted paper catalogs can be found at: www.catalogchoice.org
Cell Phones
Cellphones and their batteries are easily recycled. Go to www.call2recycle.org to find collection locations.
Clothing
Reusable clothing can go to the Bargain Boutique in Waterbury.
Apparel Impact, a corporation headquartered in Hooksett, New Hampshire has added textile recycling bins in the Mad River Resource Management Alliance. The collection bins are located at Rodney’s Transfer Station in Waterbury and the Earthwise Transfer Station in Waitsfield. These bins are accessible during the hours of operation of these facilities. They will accept torn, or stained items as long as they are clean, dry and odorless. You can bring:
- footwear in pairs;
- all types of clothing including outerwear, pants, shirts, blouses, dresses, pajamas, underwear;
- accessories including hats, bags, totes backpacks, belts, gloves, ties, scarves, and bathrobes;
- linens including sheets and towels;
- Halloween costumes, sports jerseys, pet clothing and canvas.
Construction and Demolition Debris
See https://dec.vermont.gov/waste-management/solid/materials-mgmt/construction-waste
Crank Case Oil
A certain amount of used motor oil can be deposited free of charge at the semiannual Hazardous Household Waste Collection days.
Drywall
Can be processed through Earthwise Transfer Station in Waitsfield, A & J Recycling in Waitsfield, and Rodney's Rubbish Transfer Station and Redemption Center in Waterbury.

Vermont’s electronic waste law bans the disposal of certain electronic devices and provides for FREE and convenient collection of computers, monitors, printers, computer peripherals including keyboard and mouse, and televisions for covered entities: consumers, charities, school districts, and small businesses that employ 10 or fewer individuals. Other individuals who bring in seven (7) or fewer devices can also recycle at no charge. All other banned electronic devices other than those mentioned above are also accepted at these locations; however, there may be a fee to dispose of those items.
Visit the Vermont e-cycles website for details and drop-off location information. Other electronics such as VCRs, DVD players, Game Consoles, Stereos, Boom Boxes, MP-3 Players, Copiers, Radios, Record Players, Fax Machines and others will also be accepted for a fee.
Visit the Vermont e-cycles website for details and drop-off location information. Other electronics such as VCRs, DVD players, Game Consoles, Stereos, Boom Boxes, MP-3 Players, Copiers, Radios, Record Players, Fax Machines and others will also be accepted for a fee.
Fireworks, Explosives
Contact the Vermont State Police at 802-229-9191.
Fluorescent Bulbs, Lamps, Tubes; Compact Fluorescent Lamps (CFLs)
Kenyons and Bisbee’s Hardware in Waitsfield and Aubuchon’s and True Value Hardware in Waterbury.
Food Scraps
Earthwise Transfer Station in Waitsfield, A & J Recycling in Waitsfield, Rodney’s Rubbish Transfer Station Waterbury, Earthgirl Composting, and Roots Composting in Waterbury, Soil Saver Compost Bins are sold through the Mad River Resource Management Alliance for home composting.
Food Shelves
If you have food to donate in the MRRMA there are two locations where they can be brought:
Gasoline
At Semi-annual Household Hazardous Waste Collections.
Glass Bottles & Jars
See Recyclables below.
Household Hazardous Waste
Includes any household products labeled ”caution, toxic, danger, hazard, warning, poisonous, reactive, corrosive, or flammable". Bring to the semiannual Hazardous Household Waste Collection days, held on May 13, 2023 and October 14, 2023.
Contact the Vermont State Police at 802-229-9191.
Fluorescent Bulbs, Lamps, Tubes; Compact Fluorescent Lamps (CFLs)
Kenyons and Bisbee’s Hardware in Waitsfield and Aubuchon’s and True Value Hardware in Waterbury.
Food Scraps
Earthwise Transfer Station in Waitsfield, A & J Recycling in Waitsfield, Rodney’s Rubbish Transfer Station Waterbury, Earthgirl Composting, and Roots Composting in Waterbury, Soil Saver Compost Bins are sold through the Mad River Resource Management Alliance for home composting.
Food Shelves
If you have food to donate in the MRRMA there are two locations where they can be brought:
- Mad River Valley Food Shelf, located at Evergreen Place, 5308 Main Street, Waitsfield, Tuesday,9 am - 12 noon; Thursday,10 am - 12 noon; Saturday,10 am - 12 noon.
- Waterbury Area Food Shelf, located at 57 South Main Street, Suite 3 in Waterbury. Hours: Monday and Friday, 10 am - 12 noon; Wednesday, 3 - 5 pm.
Gasoline
At Semi-annual Household Hazardous Waste Collections.
Glass Bottles & Jars
See Recyclables below.
Household Hazardous Waste
Includes any household products labeled ”caution, toxic, danger, hazard, warning, poisonous, reactive, corrosive, or flammable". Bring to the semiannual Hazardous Household Waste Collection days, held on May 13, 2023 and October 14, 2023.
Leaf, Yard & Clean Wood
Branches, limbs, logs, leaves, grass clippings, brush, clean untreated, unpainted wood can be processed through the Earthwise Transfer Station in Waitsfield, A & J Recycling in Waitsfield, and Rodney’s Rubbish Transfer Station and Redemption Center in Waterbury.
Medical Waste
Home-generated medical waste includes syringes, sharps, and other medical waste such as bandages, dressings, or medical bags that are generated from home medical use, and not administered by a licensed healthcare professional.
- Soiled bandages, dressings or medical bags should be placed in a separate container, sealed, and clearly labeled before being placed in the regular household trash.
- For more information on how to dispose of needles and syringes from unregulated medical waste or home generated medical waste, see the needles & syringes page on CSWD's website.
Mercury Containing Devices
Mercury fever and other mercury thermometers, barometers, thermostats, mercury switches, mercury relays and liquid mercury are accepted at our semi-annual Household Hazardous Waste Collections. See Fluorescent Bulb and Thermostat Sections.
Neon Signs
At the semiannual Household Hazardous Waste Collection days.
Oil - Used or waste oil, waste oil filters
Earthwise Transfer Station in Waitsfield will take used crankcase oil for a fee. Also accepted at the semiannual Household Hazardous Waste Collection days.
Packing Peanuts
You can bring your packing peanuts to Pack and Send Plus located at 1024 Waterbury-Stowe Road, Suite 4, Waterbury. They will reuse these peanuts.
Earthwise Transfer Station in Waitsfield will take used crankcase oil for a fee. Also accepted at the semiannual Household Hazardous Waste Collection days.
Packing Peanuts
You can bring your packing peanuts to Pack and Send Plus located at 1024 Waterbury-Stowe Road, Suite 4, Waterbury. They will reuse these peanuts.

Paint-oil, latex, varnish and stains
Bisbee’s Hardware in Waitsfield and Aubuchon’s and True Value Hardware in Waterbury, and at the semiannual Hazardous Household Waste Collection days..
Paint thinner and aerosol paints and non-architectural paints
At the semiannual Hazardous Household Waste Collection days.
Paper
See Recyclables below.
Pesticides
Bring all your pesticides at no charge to our semiannual Hazardous Household Waste Collection days. Pesticides should not be disposed of with regular household trash and may not be deposited at the landfill.
Pharmaceuticals - Three easy steps to properly store and get rid of medications:
LIMITATIONS, REGULATIONS AND OTHER SPECIFICATIONS
Do NOT pour or flush medications down the drain. Water treatment plants and septic tanks are not designed to remove these chemicals.
Plastic containers-#1 PET, and #2 HDPE
See Recyclables below.
Propane Tanks
Empty1# Propane tanks can be brought to Rodney's Transfer Station and Redemption Center in Waterbury, the Earthwise Transfer Station in Waitsfield and A&J's Recycling in Waitsfield for a fee. Empty 20# tanks can go to Bisbee’s Hardware in Waitsfield, Rodney’s Rubbish Transfer Station and Redemption Center in Waterbury, or A & J Recycling in Waitsfield. Some fees may be charged.
Recyclables
The following items can be recycled through Earthwise Transfer Station in Waitsfield, A & J Recycling in Waitsfield, and Rodney’s Rubbish Transfer Station and Redemption Center in Waterbury:
Bisbee’s Hardware in Waitsfield and Aubuchon’s and True Value Hardware in Waterbury, and at the semiannual Hazardous Household Waste Collection days..
Paint thinner and aerosol paints and non-architectural paints
At the semiannual Hazardous Household Waste Collection days.
Paper
See Recyclables below.
Pesticides
Bring all your pesticides at no charge to our semiannual Hazardous Household Waste Collection days. Pesticides should not be disposed of with regular household trash and may not be deposited at the landfill.
Pharmaceuticals - Three easy steps to properly store and get rid of medications:
- LOCK. Store your medications in a lock box or locked medicine cabinet.
- DROP. Many pharmacies and law enforcement facilities operate year-round drug collection or drop-off programs. Find participating sites near you at Vermont Department of Health. https://www.healthvermont.gov/alcohol-drugs/services/prescription-drug-disposal
- MAIL. Or mail unused medication in a pre-paid envelope. Visit the Vermont Department of Health for details.
LIMITATIONS, REGULATIONS AND OTHER SPECIFICATIONS
Do NOT pour or flush medications down the drain. Water treatment plants and septic tanks are not designed to remove these chemicals.
Plastic containers-#1 PET, and #2 HDPE
See Recyclables below.
Propane Tanks
Empty1# Propane tanks can be brought to Rodney's Transfer Station and Redemption Center in Waterbury, the Earthwise Transfer Station in Waitsfield and A&J's Recycling in Waitsfield for a fee. Empty 20# tanks can go to Bisbee’s Hardware in Waitsfield, Rodney’s Rubbish Transfer Station and Redemption Center in Waterbury, or A & J Recycling in Waitsfield. Some fees may be charged.
Recyclables
The following items can be recycled through Earthwise Transfer Station in Waitsfield, A & J Recycling in Waitsfield, and Rodney’s Rubbish Transfer Station and Redemption Center in Waterbury:
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Redeemable bottles and cans
Rodney’s Rubbish Transfer Station and Redemption Center, Waterbury
Syringes, Sharps and Needles
Households and businesses that generate less than 50 pounds of needles, syringes, testing lancets and other “sharps” per month may dispose of them in the trash after following the Safe sharps disposal steps:
Textiles
See Clothing.
Thermostats
Can go to Bisbee's or Kenyons Hardware in Waitsfield, Waterbury True Value Hardware, or the semiannual Hazardous Household Waste Collection days.
Tires
Can be processed through Earthwise Transfer Station in Waitsfield, A & J Recycling in Waitsfield, and Rodney's Rubbish Transfer Station and Redemption Center in Waterbury.
Water Heaters
Can be processed through Earthwise Transfer Station in Waitsfield, A & J Recycling in Waitsfield, and Rodney's Rubbish Transfer Station and Redemption Center in Waterbury.
Rodney’s Rubbish Transfer Station and Redemption Center, Waterbury
Syringes, Sharps and Needles
Households and businesses that generate less than 50 pounds of needles, syringes, testing lancets and other “sharps” per month may dispose of them in the trash after following the Safe sharps disposal steps:
- Put used needles, syringes and testing lancets into an empty, thick-walled container that also has a screw-on lid. Laundry detergent and softener bottles are good examples. Soda bottles are too thin to be safely used.
- Store the bottle out of reach of children and pets.
- When the bottle still has a couple of inches of space remaining, screw the cap on tightly and secure it with heavy tape.
- Label the container with the warning: “DO NOT RECYCLE"
- Dispose of the container in your household trash. DO NOT put this bottle in your recycling
Textiles
See Clothing.
Thermostats
Can go to Bisbee's or Kenyons Hardware in Waitsfield, Waterbury True Value Hardware, or the semiannual Hazardous Household Waste Collection days.
Tires
Can be processed through Earthwise Transfer Station in Waitsfield, A & J Recycling in Waitsfield, and Rodney's Rubbish Transfer Station and Redemption Center in Waterbury.
Water Heaters
Can be processed through Earthwise Transfer Station in Waitsfield, A & J Recycling in Waitsfield, and Rodney's Rubbish Transfer Station and Redemption Center in Waterbury.