Summer in Vermont means backyard barbecues, beach days, gardening projects, and plenty of outdoor fun. But it also comes with some tricky waste items that don’t always belong in your blue-bin recycling. Before you toss these common summer items, check out the proper disposal options below.
Ice Cream Carton
How to dispose:
- Plastic containers: Recycle only if they are clean and plastic #1, #2, or #5.
- Paper cartons: Paper ice cream cartons are often coated with plastic, making them non-recyclable. Place these items in the trash instead.
Before you go:
- If you’re going out to get ice cream, opt for a cone over a cup to reduce waste!
Old Swimsuits, Beach Towels, Clothing & Footware
How to dispose:
- Clothing, swimsuits, beach towels: Clean, dry (no mold or odor) clothing, footwear, sheets, towels & accessories in any condition are accepted at any CSWD Drop-Off Center for no fee.
- Footwear: Shoes are accepted in our clothing bins at any Drop-Off Center. They don’t have to be wearable! Worn-out shoes and even a single shoe (if you’ve lost its match) are accepted.
Before you go:
- Items must be clean and dry (no mold or odors).
- Bring textiles in closed bags no larger than 33 gallons.
Grill and Propane Tanks
How to dispose:
- Charcoal and gas grills: Bring grills to one of our Drop-Off Centers in South Burlington, Essex, Milton, or Williston for recycling as scrap metal.
- Propane tanks: Remove the propane tank before bringing in your grill. Propane tanks are accepted separately and require special handling.
If possible, remove non-metal parts (such as plastic side shelves) before recycling.
Before you go:
- Empty all charcoal and ash from charcoal grills.
- Remove the propane tank from gas grills.
Single-Use Foodware
How to dispose:
- Plastic utensils & straws: Place in the trash.
- Plastic cups & takeout containers: Recycle only if they are clean and plastic #1, #2, or #5.
- Paper plates and cups: Paper foodware products are often coated with plastic, making them non-recyclable. Place these items in the trash instead.
- Aluminum foil and pie plates: Clean foil and aluminum trays can be recycled in your blue bin.
- Compostable foodware: These items are no longer accepted in our compost. Please place these in the trash instead.
Before you go:
- Whenever possible, choose reusable plates, cups, utensils, and napkins to reduce waste.
Broken Lawn Chair
How to dispose:
- Metal lawn chairs: If mostly metal, bring them to any CSWD Drop-Off Center for scrap metal recycling.
- Plastic or fabric lawn chairs: If they cannot be repaired or reused, place them in the trash.
Donate chairs that are still in usable condition.
How to dispose:
- If possible, separate metal frames from fabric or plastic components before recycling.
Sunscreen Bottles
How to dispose:
- Plastic sunscreen bottles: Empty, clean, rigid bottles can go in your blue-bin recycling. Squeezable bottles should go in the trash since they have layers of plastic and aluminum, making them non-recyclable. Pumps should be placed in the trash.
- Aerosol sunscreen cans: Empty aerosol cans can be recycled in your blue bin. If the can still contains product, make an appointment to dispose of it at CSWD’s Environmental Depot.
Before you go:
- Make sure containers are completely empty before recycling.
Inflatable Pool Toys
How to dispose:
- Donate or give away inflatable toys that are still in good condition.
- Small punctures can often be repaired with a patch kit to extend the life of the item.
- If an pool inflatable is no longer usable, place it in the trash.
Before you go:
- Inflatable pool toys are made from mixed plastics and vinyl that cannot be recycled through your blue bin.
Air Conditioners
How to dispose:
- Window and portable air conditioners should be taken to one of our Drop-Off Centers in Williston, Essex, or Milton for proper recycling.
- These appliances contain refrigerants that must be safely removed before the metal can be recycled.
Before you go:
- Do not place air conditioners in your trash or blue-bin recycling.
Yard Waste
How to dispose:
- Bring yard waste (leaves, grass clippings, weeds, garden trimmings, house plants, etc.) to a CSWD Drop-Off Center in Essex, Hinesburg, Milton, South Burlington, or the Organics Recycling Facility for composting.
- Please note: the Hinesburg Drop-Off Center does not accept wood (tree trimmings, limbs, clean stumps, brush, wood chips) in its yard waste pile.
Before you go:
- Keep yard waste free of plastic bags, trash, rocks, soil, and other contaminants.
Planter Pots
How to dispose:
- Plastic pots (#1, #2, #5): can be recycled in your blue-bin recycling.
- Black plastic pots: black plastic is not recyclable in Vermont and should be placed in the trash.
- Terracotta and ceramic pots: reuse if possible or placed in the trash if broken.
Before you go:
- Many local garden centers accept plant pots for reuse—check with your favorite nursery.
- Shake out excess soil before donating or reusing pots.