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Plastic Containers & Packaging

This item is banned from disposal in the trash in Vermont and must be recycled with blue-bin recycling.  

Disposal Options

Single-use, rigid plastic containers and packaging should be placed in your recycling bin. This includes most containers and packaging such as bottles, jugs, yogurt containers, dairy tubs, clear plastic hinged (“clamshell”) takeout containers, and blister packaging. Plastic lids greater than two inches in diameter (such as those on yogurt and margarine tubs) are also OK to put in the blue bin. Plastic pails and buckets may be recyclable if they meet certain criteria.

All recyclable containers must be empty and rinsed clean.

Minimum size: 2 inches in 2 dimensions (i.e. 2 inches tall and 2 inches wide)
Maximum size: 2 feet in any dimension

Not accepted (place in regular trash): plastic bags, plastic motor oil and transmission fluid bottles, styrofoam, durable plastics like toys and kitchenware or compostable/biodegradable plastic.

For a printable guide to recycling, check out the Vermonter's Guide to Recycling or ACSWMD's Mini-Disposal Guide.

Cost

The fee associated with your town drop-off or curbside collection service applies for this item.

Recycling

  • Single Stream Recyclables from Commercial Haulers: $125 per ton
  • Single Stream self-hauled from Businesses, 1 cubic yard or less: $10 per load
  • Single Stream self-hauled from Businesses greater than 1 cubic yard: $125 per ton

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