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About CSWD

On this page:
Governance, Mission, Vision & Values
History and structure
How CSWD Operates
Awards & Recognition
Memberships & Affiliations

Governance, Mission, Vision & Values

Governance

The Chittenden Solid Waste District is a municipality created to implement solid waste management mandates legislated by the State of Vermont. The District is governed by a Board of Commissioners representing the communities of Chittenden County, Vermont.

Our mission

The Chittenden Solid Waste District’s mission is to reduce and manage the solid waste generated within Chittenden County in an environmentally sound, efficient, effective and economical manner.

Our vision

Products are designed to be reused or recycled and our community fully participates in minimizing disposal and maximizing reuse and recycling.

Our values

  • Work Safely
  • Encourage Innovation
  • Support & Inspire
  • Communicate Openly & Effectively
  • Be Transparent with Activities & Policies
  • Demonstrate Integrity
  • Deliver Results
  • Be Respectful

History and structure

Vermont map with Chittenden County highlighted yellow

In 1987, the Vermont Legislature passed Act 78, the state’s first solid waste law. Act 78 created solid waste districts throughout the state. Functioning much like a school or water district, these solid waste districts are government entities that design regional solutions to the solid waste challenges faced by their member towns.

Chittenden Solid Waste District (CSWD) encompasses Chittenden County, and is the largest solid waste district in Vermont with a population of about 165,400. The District’s mission is to provide efficient, economical, and environmentally sound management of solid waste generated by member towns and cities and their residents and businesses.
CSWD-charter (PDF)
CSWD Solid Waste Management Ordinance (PDF)
CSWD member towns and cities
CSWD Forms and Documents
Glossary of acronyms and often-used terms
Other solid waste districts contacts and map

How CSWD operates

Towns within CSWD
Chittenden Solid Waste District Towns

Each CSWD member town appoints a representative and an alternate to serve on the Board of Commissioners. This Board meets monthly to set policy and make major decisions.

View CSWD Calendar (includes upcoming meeting dates)

View Executive and Full Board Agendas and Minutes (on the Board of Commissioners page)

Since 1992, CSWD has implemented regional programs and constructed facilities to meet the goals of Act 78 and those set out in the District Charter. These programs and facilities are intended to affect the production, consumption and disposal decisions made by residents, businesses and institutions, resulting in less waste produced and encouraging proper disposal.

CSWD employs more than 50 people in five main departments: Administration, Finance, Operations, Compliance, and Outreach and Communications.

View CSWD employees

View CSWD job openings

We also manage:

To ensure proper waste disposal, CSWD:

  • Licenses solid waste haulers and recycling processors, scales used to weigh solid waste, and transfer/disposal facilities within Chittenden County
  • Requires that mandatory recyclables and items banned from landfills be separated from trash
  • Prohibits illegal dumping and burning
  • Imposes penalties and fines for violations of the Ordinance and Regulations

 Awards & Recognition

  • Northeast Recycling Council Award for Environmental Sustainability Leadership, Special Recognition – Public Sector
    (2017)
  • Vermont Governor’s Award for Environmental Excellence
    (2014, 2006-2007, 2005-2006, 2001, 1998)
  • Governor’s Award for Outstanding Workplace Safety
    (2013)
  • Call2Recycle Leaders in Sustainability
    (2013)
  • Vermont Governor’s Council on Physical Fitness & Sports
    (Gold Award 2012, 2011)
    (Bronze Award 2014, 1997)
  • United Way Bronze Award for Outstanding Service
    (2011, 2008, 2007)
  • Vermont League of Cities & Towns – Highest Score, Safety & Health Promotion
    (2009, 2008)
  • American Council of Engineering Companies’ Grand Award for Engineering Excellence
    (2004)
  • Northeast Resource Recovery Association
    Municipal Recycling Program of the Year
    (2002)
  • Northeast Resource Recovery Association
    Business Recycling Program of the Year
    (1995)

Memberships & Affiliations

  • Vermont Businesses for Social Responsibility (VBSR)
  • Northeast Recycling Council (NERC)
  • North American Hazardous Materials Management Association (NAHMMA)
  • Solid Waste Association of North America (SWANA), Northern New England Chapter
  • New England Biosolids Residuals Association (NEBRA)
  • United States Compost Council (USCC)
  • Product Stewardship Institute (PSI)
  • Sustainable Packaging Coalition (SPC)
  • Vermont Safety & Health Council
  • Municipal Waste Managers Association
  • American Institute for Packaging and the Environment