The Law: Under Vermont’s Household Hazardous Waste EPR Law, hazardous materials are officially designated for specialized collection systems. As of July 1, 2026, the following “Covered Products” are strictly banned from Vermont landfills:

✅ Items for HHW Collection

Please set these items aside. Utilizing the disposal options below helps keep these materials out of our local environment and protects sanitation workers.

  • Aerosols: All spray cans (paints, cleaners, lubricants).

  • Fuels & Solvents: Gasoline, kerosene, paint thinners, and degreasers.

  • Gas Cylinders: 1lb propane tanks (camping size), CO2 cartridges, and small helium tanks.

  • Vaping Devices: All nicotine hardware and e-cigarettes.

  • Corrosives: Strong acids or bases (drain openers, masonry cleaners).

  • Fire Extinguishers: Handheld household units.

Note: Pesticides and cleaners containing bleach are also accepted at SWAC events, though they are managed under different state regulations.

🎨 Paint: Year-Round Service and Scheduled Events

Leftover paint, stains, and varnishes should be managed using one of the two pathways below.

A. Year-Round Paint Drop-Off Sites (Recommended for Convenience) The following local retailers are authorized PaintCare sites. They accept most house paints, stains, and varnishes at no charge during their regular business hours.

  • Aubuchon Hardware (Fair Haven) 654 Route 22A N, Fair Haven, VT 05743 | (802) 265-3677

  • Aubuchon Ace Hardware (Rutland) 261 North Main St, Rutland, VT 05701 | (802) 773-2758

  • Brandon Lumber & Millwork (Ace) 11 Grove St, Brandon, VT 05733 | (802) 247-6000

  • LaValley Building Supply (Rutland) 48 Windcrest Rd, Rutland, VT 05701 | (802) 775-0834

  • Sherwin-Williams (Rutland) 76 Woodstock Ave, Rutland, VT 05701 | (802) 773-9212

  • Yankee Paint (Rutland) 164 US Route 4 E, Rutland, VT 05701 | (802) 747-9222

Reminders: Most locations accept up to 5 gallons per visit. Always call ahead to ensure the store has storage space available. Paint must be in original, labeled containers and not leaking.

B. SWAC Household Hazardous Waste Collection Events SWAC hosts two seasonal collection events per year for our 10 member towns. You may bring paint to these events even if you are not disposing of other hazardous materials.

  • Spring Event: Held in Rutland Town (typically late April) at the Rutland Town Transfer Station, 218 Northwood Park Road.

  • Fall Event: Held in Fair Haven (typically early October) at the Fair Haven Transfer Station, Fair Haven Avenue.

  • Cost: No charge for residents of SWAC member towns.

  • Schedule: Visit our Home Page for specific dates and times for the current year.

📍 The Gleason Road HW Facility

The Gleason Road HW facility (14 Gleason Rd, Rutland) is operated by the Rutland County Solid Waste District (RCSWD).

  • Access: This facility is available to SWAC residents as an independent disposal option.

  • Requirements: Drop-off is by appointment only. Schedule at www.appt.rcswd.com or call (802) 775-7209.

  • Fees: As a non-district user, you will be subject to their current access and disposal fees.

🏢 For Small Business and Institutional Generators

Businesses and institutions that generate small quantities of hazardous waste may participate in SWAC HHW Events by following these steps:

  1. Inventory: Email photos and estimated quantities of your waste to solidwastealliancecommunities@gmail.com.

  2. Quote: SWAC will provide a disposal quote from our hazardous waste contractor.

  3. Appointment: Once approved, we will schedule a specific time for your drop-off during the event.

  4. Payment: Businesses must pay for disposal costs by check made out to SWAC at the time of the event.

💰 The True Cost: A Community Responsibility

Managing hazardous waste is a significant expense for our member towns.

  • Stewardship: You can help manage these costs by buying only what you need, using products up completely, or sharing leftovers with a neighbor before bringing them to an event.