OVER 70,000 TONS OF FOOD SCRAPS end up in Vermont’s only landfill each year, creating dangerous methane gas when they decompose. That’s a significant amount of carbon pollution that each Chittenden County resident can help keep out of our environment by diverting food scraps!
Food scraps make up 22-25% of Vermont’s landfill waste. A single household that properly diverts its food scraps can prevent roughly 700 pounds of climate pollution each year.** Keeping food out of your trash and out of the landfill is one of the easiest ways you can help cut carbon pollution.
**Estimate based on USDA food waste data (≈300 lbs. per household annually) and EPA WARM model greenhouse gas emissions factors for landfilled food waste. Sources: USDA ERS Food Availability Data; U.S. EPA WARM Model (epa.gov/warm)
Helping protect Vermont’s environment starts with you!
Not sure where to begin? The good news is there are several easy ways to keep food scraps out of the landfill and reduce carbon pollution. Here are a few options to consider:
Reduce Food Waste
A great place to start—and it can save you money.
The average American household wastes up to $1,500 in food every year. By buying and storing food more carefully, you can reduce waste at the source and stretch your grocery dollars further.
Try buying only what you need or choosing fruits and vegetables at different stages of ripeness so everything doesn’t spoil at once. There are also many great tips online to help food last longer in your kitchen.
Check out our Reducing Food Waste page for more ideas.
Drop Off Your Food Scraps with CSWD
CSWD accepts food scraps at all CSWD Drop-Off Centers and our Organics Recycling Facility for residents and qualifying businesses.
Click here for details on what we accept, drop-off locations and fees.
Have Your Food Scraps Picked Up
Many haulers now offer food scrap pickup right from your home. Ask your hauler if service is available in your area or visit our pickup service page for hauler options.
Compost or Digest in Your Backyard
Composting at home is easy and rewarding! Visit our Backyard Composting and Digesting section for options that will have you turning your food scraps into that “black gold” soil amendment in no time.
Got a question? We are here to help!
Main Phone: (802) 872-8100