Business Details
37 Years
experience
Your Trusted Waste Management Partner in Northwest Vermont
Northwest Vermont Solid Waste (NWSWD) is a legislatively chartered Municipal Corporation dedicated to planning, implementing, and regulating waste management strategies for 19 member communities in northwestern Vermont. Established to address regional waste challenges, we provide comprehensive services including recycling programs, hazardous waste disposal, composting initiatives, and educational resources to reduce landfill dependency. Our team combines decades of experience in environmental stewardship with a commitment to community engagement, ensuring compliance with state regulations while promoting sustainable practices.We operate multiple drop-off sites, offer specialized waste collection events, and maintain transparent communication with residents and businesses. Our expertise in waste reduction, coupled with partnerships across Vermont, positions us as a trusted authority in managing solid waste responsibly. We prioritize innovation in recycling technologies, enforce strict compliance with environmental laws, and maintain a customer-centric approach to service delivery, ensuring accessibility and convenience for all stakeholders.
Services
Recycling Programs
Hazardous Waste Disposal
Composting Services
Appliance Recycling
Electronics Recycling
Construction Waste Management
Household Waste Collection
Waste Education Programs
Special Waste Collection Events
Details
- Year established: 1989
Highlights and features
- We serve 19 Vermont communities with tailored waste management solutions
- We offer comprehensive recycling programs for households and businesses
- Our hazardous waste collection events ensure safe disposal of toxic materials
- We provide educational resources to promote waste reduction and sustainability
- Our team maintains compliance with Vermont's Universal Recycling Law
Services
Recycling Programs
We provide comprehensive recycling services for residential and commercial customers. Our blue-bin recycling accepts paper, cardboard, glass, and plastics #1-7. Special recycling options include electronics, appliances, and hazardous materials. We maintain strict compliance with Vermont's Universal Recycling Law while offering convenient drop-off locations across 19 member communities.
Hazardous Waste Disposal
Our hazardous waste program handles materials containing mercury, lead, and other toxic substances. We offer scheduled collection events and appointments at our Georgia facility for safe disposal of items like fluorescent bulbs, automotive fluids, and household chemicals. This service protects Vermont's environment by preventing improper disposal in landfills.
Composting Services
We operate commercial compost pickup routes for food scraps and yard waste in St. Albans and surrounding areas. Our program accepts materials from schools, restaurants, and healthcare facilities. We also provide educational resources for home composting and maintain drop-off locations for residents to dispose of organic waste responsibly.
Construction Waste Management
Our district accepts construction and demolition debris including clean wood, asphalt shingles, and concrete. We partner with local recyclers to process materials for reuse while maintaining landfill diversion. This service supports Vermont's environmental goals by reducing construction-related waste through specialized recycling solutions.
Waste Education Programs
We provide educational resources and community outreach programs focused on waste reduction. Our initiatives include school programs, business consultations, and public workshops on proper disposal methods. These efforts aim to increase recycling rates and promote sustainable practices across northwestern Vermont through knowledge sharing and technical assistance.
People
John Leddy
Executive Director
John Leddy has served as Executive Director since 2009. With experience from Americorps NCCC, the Nature Conservancy, and Vermont Youth Conservation Corps, he brings extensive environmental expertise. He focuses on waste reduction strategies and community engagement while maintaining an active outdoor lifestyle in Vermont.
Pam Bolster
Business Manager
Pam Bolster manages financial operations with a background in nonprofit finance and office management. Her commitment to waste reduction aligns with the district's mission. She combines professional expertise with personal interests in gardening, music, and lifelong learning to support sustainable practices across the organization.
Shannon Plant
Operations Coordinator
Shannon Plant coordinates daily operations with an associate's degree in secretarial studies. After working in education and hospitality, she transitioned to environmental management. A lifelong Vermont resident, she applies her passion for sustainability to improve waste management processes while maintaining a simple, eco-conscious lifestyle.
Dale Chapman
Program Specialist
Dale Chapman develops specialized waste management programs with technical expertise in environmental operations. He focuses on implementing innovative solutions for hazardous waste handling and community education initiatives while supporting the district's regulatory compliance efforts across member communities.
Questions
What materials can I recycle in my blue bin?
Blue bins accept paper, cardboard, glass bottles/jars, and plastics #1-7. Rinse containers clean and keep materials dry for proper recycling.
How do I dispose of hazardous household waste?
Schedule an appointment at our Georgia facility or attend a hazardous waste collection event for safe disposal of toxic materials like chemicals and electronics.
Are there composting options for residents?
Yes! We offer commercial compost pickup in St. Albans and accept food scraps/yard waste at multiple drop-off locations across our service area.
What are the district's operating hours?
Georgia location: Monday-Friday 8:30am-3:30pm, Saturday 8am-1pm. Administrative office hours: Monday-Friday 8am-4:30pm.
Can I recycle electronics and appliances?
Yes, we accept electronics and appliances for recycling at designated facilities. Some items qualify for free recycling under Vermont's e-waste program.
How does the district support waste reduction education?
We provide school programs, business consultations, and public workshops on proper disposal methods and sustainable waste management practices.