The Law: In Vermont, all businesses, schools, and non-profits are responsible for identifying and safely disposing of their hazardous waste. Small businesses and institutions (those generating less than 220 pounds of hazardous waste per month) have two primary paths for disposal in the SWAC area.

Option 1: SWAC Collection Events

Small businesses and institutions can utilize the annual SWAC Spring and Fall events by following these mandatory pre-registration steps:

  1. Inventory: Email an inventory list (and photos, if possible) of the materials you need to dispose of to solidwastealliancecommunities@gmail.com.

  2. Quote: SWAC will provide you with a disposal quote based on our hazardous waste contractor’s rates.

  3. Appointment: Once the quote is approved, we will assign you a specific drop-off time during the event to ensure a fast and safe transaction.

  4. Payment: Payment is due at the time of the event via check made out to SWAC.

Option 2: The Gleason Road HW Facility

If your business needs to dispose of waste outside of our event schedule, you may use the Gleason Road HW facility in Rutland.

  • Requirements: You must call (802) 775-7209 or visit www.appt.rcswd.com to schedule a business appointment.

  • Fees: As a business from a non-district town, you will be responsible for the facility’s current access fees and disposal costs.

🎨 Business Paint Disposal

Small businesses can also benefit from the PaintCare program, which provides a year-round service for many architectural paints.

  • Drop-Off Sites: Check with the Retail Drop-Off Sites listed above. Most retailers will accept up to 5 gallons of paint from businesses at no charge, provided it is “architectural” (house paint, stain, varnish).

  • Excluded Items: Industrial-grade coatings, marine paints, and aerosol spray paints are not accepted at retail stores and must be managed through the SWAC events or the Gleason Road facility.

💡 Pro-Tips for Businesses

  • Keep Original Labels: Never peel labels off containers. Professional contractors cannot accept “unknown” liquids without expensive testing.

  • Never Mix Waste: Keep different chemicals in separate containers to prevent dangerous reactions.

  • Search for Alternatives: The Vermont Small Business Compliance Program offers free, non-regulatory help to help your business reduce the amount of hazardous waste it generates.