Programs & Learning Opportunities

At CSWD, we don’t just operate facilities that collect and manage your trash, recycling, and food scraps. We also lead tours and run training programs to give Chittenden County residents the knowledge and tools they can use to take action. Participants walk away with a deeper understanding of what it takes to manage all of our community’s resources.

Tours

Come take a look behind the scenes at one of our facilities, where we collect and process millions of pounds of recyclables, food scraps, household hazardous waste, and trash each year.

We schedule public tours throughout the year, and we’ll schedule private tours for groups of 6 or more. Tours of the following facilities are available:

• Materials Recovery Facility (MRF)
  Learn how blue bin recycling is sorted and prepared for a new life.
• Organics Recycling Facility – Home of Green Mountain Compost
  Discover how food scraps and yard debris are turned into compost.
• Williston Drop-Off Center & Special Waste Facility
  Find out about recycling programs for items beyond the blue bin.

Workshops & Training

Expand your knowledge with our workshop offerings, or let us know if you have something else in mind! We can customize a workshop to the needs of any group, club, or organization.

Backyard composting workshops

Learn how to turn food scraps into nutrient-rich compost at home. If this is your first time giving it a try—or even if you’ve tried composting before—this interactive workshop will give you the know-how you need to easily manage food scraps in your own backyard.

Waste Warrior training

Join our team of Waste Warriors to help bring recycling and composting to life at Chittenden County events, fairs, and festivals. This 1.5 hour training will answer any question you’ve ever had about what is recyclable or compostable—and what isn’t. After the training, you’ll have access to our sign-up list of volunteer opportunities around the county.

Presentations

We give presentations to all kinds of groups, on just about any topic related to solid waste. Do your condo neighbors need a refresher on what is—and what isn’t—recyclable? Is your club concerned about food waste? We’re happy to visit, and share everything we know on the topic!

…and more!

We’ve partnered with local libraries to hold movie screenings, assisted organizations in planning a Repair Cafe, and worked with community groups to improve their food scrap collection efforts. Got an idea? We’d love to talk about how we can help.