LRSWMD Customers,

The Lamoille Regional Solid Waste Management District currently operates a commercial composting center, Lamoille Soil, and five transfer stations across its 12 district towns, including the Stowe Transfer Station on Dump Road. While LRSWMD has the ability to tax residents, the District is funded entirely through hauler surcharges and user fees. When opportunities arise, LRSWMD does apply for available grant funding to support programs and activities as well as cost-share on equipment. LRSWMD's mission is to reduce the quantity and toxicity of trash generated and going to the landfill while maintaining or improving overall environmental quality (air, water, and soil), treating customers and employees with respect, and operating within a balanced budget. We do our best to work towards this mission while ensuring that our services are affordable and accessible.

The LRSWMD recently installed a new trash compactor at the Stowe Transfer Station, and changed the traffic pattern and flow of drop off for residential trash. Many are asking, what's the point in changing something that's been in place for so long?

Our large compactor at the top of the yard is old and failing, and repairing the unit is no longer feasible. It currently is used for construction, large bulky items and "scale customers". Eventually, the compactor will be removed and replaced with an open top container. This is why we transitioned residential trash to the lower yard. The new trash compactor is past the two recycling compactors making this a one stop location for most of your disposal needs. We have supplied carts to help customers with heavy loads. The carts can be tipped into the hopper to avoid heavy lifting. The gate cannot be opened when the compactor is running for safety issues, so you may have to wait for a few moments if the machine is engaged before dumping your trash. This is a big change from backing up to the large compactor and throwing out your trash bags with little to no walking or hauling involved.

One of the biggest concerns we've heard since the changes have taken effect is, "My bags are too heavy to carry to the new trash compactor". In response, LRSWMD would like customers to ask themselves "Why is my trash so heavy?"

When VT's Universal Recycling Law, or Act 148 went into law in 2012 many items were banned from the landfill and should not be in the trash. Not only is it the right thing to do but it will save you money. A 15-gallon container of recyclables costs $1 at our facilities compared to $3 for trash. Recycling is easy and can lighten your load. In general, any plastic with a number 1, 2 and sometimes 5, glass, aluminum, steel, paper and cardboard can be recycled at all our facilities. We also take plastic film. How about electronics, also known as E-waste. Yep, we take them and many for free! Batteries can start fires if thrown in the trash and can be recycled. We take batteries for free! Now, what is really weighing down your trash bag? Could it be food scraps? These are also banned from the landfill, but don't worry we take food scraps at our sites, or you can compost at home. A 5-gallon bucket will cost you $1 to drop off. Not sure what can be recycled or how to dispose of an item? We can help with that, go to our website and click on our A-Z guide.

We here at LRSWMD knew there would be "growing pains", and we are responding to them, this is the model we have, and we will continue to make changes to improve the experience. Please show kindness and respect to our staff as this is new for them as well and we are all doing the best we can.

Stay Well and Be Kind,
Heather Thomas – LRSWMD Manager