Hazardous wastes are materials with hazardous ingredients in them. These common household items are easy to purchase, but are dangerous to human and environmental health.

Product labels with the words “Danger”, “Poison”, or “Warning” should be kept out of the regular trash. Check out our banned items list to see which hazardous materials require special recycling. The full list of hazardous waste regulations is available at the Vermont State website.

For information on hazardous waste disposal options, or to schedule an appointment, please click below.

The VT State E-Cycling Law went into effect on Jan 1st, 2011. It bans the disposal of all electronic devices in the state’s landfills.

Electronic waste–televisions, computers, gaming systems, phones and other household electronics–are an increasing percentage of the solid waste stream. Electronic devices contain many hazardous materials such as lead and brominated flame retardants; they should not be disposed of in landfills.

To properly recycle your electronics, bring them to our North Hero, Bakersfield, Montgomery, or Georgia sites during regular business hours.

Asbestos is a mineral fiber that has been used in a variety of building construction materials for insulation and as a fire retardant. It can be found in vinyl flooring, patching compounds and textured paints, sprayed acoustic ceilings, acoustic ceiling tiles, pipe insulation, wall and ceiling insulation, roofing shingles and siding, and more.

Microscopic, asbestos fibers can be released into the air if products containing asbestos are disturbed. When inhaled into the lungs, these asbestos fibers can cause health problems including mesothelioma cancer, lung cancer and asbestosis.

Improper handing of asbestos-containing materials will increase your risk of developing these adverse health effects. You should not handle or dispose of asbestos yourself. The best way to handle, dispose of, and recycle asbestos is to hire a licensed asbestos abatement professional. For more information on asbestos, click here. For more information on handling, disposing and recycling asbestos, click here.

Fluorescent bulbs are an increasingly popular way to reduce energy consumption. They last longer than incandescent bulbs and work more efficiently. Unfortunately, they also contain mercury, a material which can cause damage to the liver, brain and kidneys, as well as developmental problems in children. Once in the environment, mercury can form a more dangerous compound, methyl mercury, which accumulates in living tissues.

By simply following a few safety precautions, it is possible to enjoy the energy savings of fluorescent bulbs safely:

Do not break or crush used lamps. This releases mercury into the environment. The state of Vermont has compiled instructions for the safe handling of broken bulbs.

Package lamps carefully when transporting. The best way to transport lamps is in their original packaging. If that is not possible, do not tape the bulbs together. If you have a large number of bulbs, the District may be able to provide you with boxes for safe transport.

Do not throw bulbs in the trash. It is illegal to dispose of mercury in Vermont landfills.

Bring them to NWSWD. The District accepts most bulbs at all drop-off sites. There may be a small fee depending on bulb type. Please call ahead for large loads.

Bring them to an Ace or True Value hardware store. Ace and True Value stores will accept up to six bulbs per visit free of charge. The following stores in Franklin County will accept bulbs:

Enosburg: Greens Ace Hardware, 6 Railroad Street (802) 933-7500

Enosburg: Sticks and Stuff, Route 105 (802) 933-5011

St. Albans: St. Albans Ace Hardware, 133 North Main Street (802) 527-7007

St. Albans: Sticks and Stuff, 44 Lower Newton Road (802) 524-2136

Swanton: Swanton Lumber, 11 North River Road (802)868-3355

In addition to fluorescent bulbs, mercury can also be found in: