Vermont is Taking Drastic Actions Towards Zero Waste
Have you heard of Vermont’s Universal Recycling Law? First of its kind, the small state of Vermont is embarking on new initiative to reduce organic waste in the landfills. With only one landfill servicing the entire states and 28% of its residential waste stream being organics, Vermont is aggressively encouraging composting and recycling. By 2020, all Vermont business owners and residents alike are required to divert organics from landfill. Solid waste management facilities will also be required to provide these services for the organic materials.
The bill was passed on May 16, 2012 but the food diversion component of the UR law began to go in effect on July 1st of this year. The law is more than just a simple disposal ban. There are specific dates put in places, allowing infrastructures to develop and partnerships to form in order for the program to flourish. The law also aims to educate food generators on organic waste and to create convenience and consistency when it comes to composting and recycling.
Here’s the timeline for the Universal Recycling Law. (Before each ban is placed in affect, solid waste facilities and haulers must make these services readily available for waste generators.):
Haulers cannot tack on additional charges for these services. The aim is to keep costs low and encourage more people to divert their organics and recyclables, with only a $7-9 increase in an average monthly waste bill.
The law is the first of its kind in our country. How would your state respond to this type of mandate? Would you be excited to see these changes in your state? Share with us below!