While the glow of Christmas gift-giving and receiving is still fresh, it’s time to think about what to do with old possessions that have been replaced by something shiny and new. Here’s how to keep as much as possible in use — or, at least, out of the landfill:

Electronics: Got a new gizmo for Christmas? Thanks to the Vermont E-Cycles program, Vermont residents and businesses may bring up to 7 old TVs or computer items to CSWD Drop-Off Centers for recycling at no charge. This includes CPU, laptop, monitor, keyboard, mouse, printer, scanner, hard drive etc. Visit CSWD’s Electronics Recycling Page to find out if your electronics qualify for this program.

Christmas lights: There’s copper in them thar lights — or at least there is in the wiring that connects them. If your string of lights burns out, or you’re replacing it with newer, energy-efficient LEDs, don’t throw the old ones away! Bring them to any CSWD Drop-Off Center and we’ll accept them in our scrap metal bin for recycling — FREE! (If your lights include larger, old-fashioned bulbs, please remove the bulbs before recycling the rest of the unit in the scrap metal bin. You can throw the lights away with your regular trash.)

Batteries: If St. Nick brought you a gadget that uses batteries, consider getting rechargeables so you can keep those units of energy out of the landfill longer. You can recharge some batteries hundreds of times before they lose their ability to recharge. If you have batteries to get rid of, remember you can toss regular household alkaline batteries in the trash (they don’t contain the high levels of heavy metals that they once did). Please bring all rechargeables, button cells, lithium, nicad, lead-acid, etc. to any CSWD Drop-Off Center for proper handling.

Online resources
The CSWD website is packed with great information on keeping as much as possible out of the landfill. Here are some shortcuts:
Reuse Options page — Lists places that accept a wide variety of materials for resale, including architectural & building materials, automotives and parts, clothing, books, computers, toys, sporting goods, household goods … take a peek and find out how to get your still-usable item into the hands of someone who will be glad to have it.
CSWD A-Z List — This list contains just about anything you can think of that you would want to dispose of, and lets you know the most earth-friendly way to do it in Chittenden County.

Visit our facilities

–  CSWD’s Drop-Off Centers: We take a lot more than trash and blue-bin recyclables at our seven DOCs located in Burlington, Essex, Hinesburg, Milton, Richmond, South Burlington, and Williston. Residents and businesses from any town in Chittenden County can use any location. Items we accept include appliances, batteries, books, cardboard, cell phones, clothing, electronics, fluorescent bulbs & tubes, food for composting, yard & garden trimmings, leaves, mercury products, motor oil & filters, propane tanks, scrap metal, tires, reusable items, and more. Fees, limits, and specifications apply to certain items. We also accept reusable items at our ReUse Zones that meet DOC standards.

– CSWD’s Environmental Depot: We accept hazardous leftovers from households and qualifying businesses in Chittenden County. Materials accepted include automotive supplies, hobby supplies, health & beauty aids, home improvement supplies, household cleaners, garden supplies, and more. Bring your leftover latex paint and it might even be reblended into fresh, premium paint called Local Color, made and sold right here at the Depot (2 gallons for under $20!). We accept hazardous materials from households at no charge; some fees apply to businesses. The Depot accepts materials only from Chittenden County residents and businesses.

–  CSWD’s Green Mountain Compost: Bring kitchen scraps to any Drop-Off Center or to Green Mountain Compost (GMC) and we’ll take them at no charge. You will cut the amount of trash you toss out by about a third, which means you could save money on your trash bill! We’ll even give you a free compost pail and transport bucket if you want to give it a try. Stop by the GMC office or any Drop-Off Center and ask for one!

Got a question? CSWD staff is available Monday-Friday, 9-4, to answer your questions. Here’s how to contact us: Call 802-872-8111 or E-mail info@cswd.net. Go ahead — try to stump us!