Heads up: Facility Fee changes take effect July 1 - Please review the details before your next visit.
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, beach towels, and footwear: 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.
- Swimsuits: Swimsuits are not accepted in the clothing donation bins. Donate wearable swimsuits to a local organization, or place worn-out swimsuits in the trash.
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 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 leaves, grass clippings, weeds, garden plants, brush, and small branches to a CSWD Drop-Off Center in Essex, Hinesburg, Milton, South Burlington, or the Organics Recycling Facility for composting.
- If you compost at home, yard waste makes a great addition to your compost 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.