Vermont Governor Signs Recycling Bill into Law

In a statement following the signing, Shumlin said, “I am pleased to sign this bill today. Moving toward universal recycling will advance Vermont into the next generation of solid waste management and keep more waste out of our landfills.”

According to the Governor’s office, H. 485 creates phased-in mandatory recycling and composting. During the next several years, the law will require waste haulers to also collect leaf and yard waste as well as food waste and prohibits the disposal of recyclable and compostable materials in landfills.

“Vermonters are currently throwing away up to $7.6 million worth of waste that could be recycled or composted,” says Department of Environmental Conservation Commissioner David Mears. “H. 485 will help divert this material from the waste stream and away from our crowded landfills.”

The universal recycling bill creates phased-in composting requirements starting with the largest processors of produce and eventually applying to any person who generates food waste. It requires that recycling containers be provided in equal number to trash cans in public buildings, including in the State House.

The text of the law is available at http://www.leg.state.vt.us/docs/2012/bills/Intro/H-485.pdf.