Burlington considers scrapping recycling program

BURLINGTON, Vt. (WCAX) — Is Burlington’s recycling program headed for the trash?

For some 35 years, the Burlington Department of Public Works has picked up most residential recycling.

Their program stands out as most Vermont municipalities leave the job to private solid waste haulers.

But Burlington’s system might be repurposed. In a push to save money and streamline services under a new city initiative, officials are weighing whether to privatize recycling. “The challenge in my mind is we are trying to achieve a broader mission than we have the funding resources to adequately deliver,” said Chapin Spencer, with Burlington DPW

The Department of Public Works says the recycling program costs Burlington over 200 thousand dollars a year and strains a chronically understaffed team.

Under a consolidated system, they estimate solid waste tax generation could drop by 31 percent from $6.90 a month to $4.76.

Still, some leaders question whether there’s an easier, better fix than privatization. “I have no doubt in my mind that citizens of Burlington wouldn’t happily pay an extra dollar or two to sustainably fund their currently underfunded recycling program,” said progressive Ward Three City Councilor Joe Kane.

One UVM student worries that a privatized system would make living in Burlington more expensive. “That’s extra rent that I have to pay for and I’m already in college,” said Rami Abdalah.

Others are open to the change if there’s a seamless transition. “I’d be open to it shifting to private contractors if it costs the city less. I wouldn’t be willing to drive somewhere to drop it off. I’d probably just go with our local haulers,” said Burlington resident Steve Boutcher

Burlington’s Department of Public Works didn’t make itself available for an interview but told WCAX over email that it’s continuing to receive and consider feedback from the community.

Under their current proposal, the city would contract with a couple of private haulers using solid waste generation tax funds to pick up recycling from residential units between 2026 and 2028.

By 2029, they’d fully consolidate their trash recycling and compost pickup.

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