The Law: Leaf and yard debris is banned from Vermont landfills. To make compliance easy for residents, state law requires all permitted solid waste facilities that accept trash to also offer collection for these materials.

🌿 What is Leaf and Yard Debris?

  • Yard Residuals: Grass clippings, leaves, weeds, and other compostable, untreated vegetative (plant) matter.

  • Clean Wood: Branches, limbs, logs, and brush (typically less than 1 inch in diameter).

  • What is NOT included: Stumps, pressure-treated wood, painted/stained wood, and plywood. These require separate management as Construction & Demolition waste.

đź“Ť Where to Drop-Off

A. SWAC Member Transfer Stations All SWAC member transfer stations collect leaf and yard debris. Please see your specific town’s page for hours and potential fees.

  • Participating Towns: Benson, Chittenden, Fair Haven, Middletown Springs, Rutland Town, Shrewsbury, and Tinmouth.

B. Private & Regional Facilities

  • Markowski Excavating: 2359 Franklin St (Route 7), Brandon. As a state-approved recycling facility, they accept leaf and yard debris. Please contact their office at (802) 483-6469 for drop-off instructions and current rates.

  • Gleason Road HW Facility: The RCSWD facility at 14 Gleason Rd in Rutland accepts leaf and yard debris for a fee. Visit www.rcswd.com for their current tipping rates.

  •  Granville Transfer Station: 8536 State Route 22, Granville, NY. This facility is operated by Earth Waste & Metal (as part of the Washington County system). Contact them at (518) 642-3026 for current yard waste fees and hours.

âť“ Common Questions

Is any plant matter allowed in the trash? Only as a last resort. If weeds, crop residues, or invasive species contain hazardous substances or diseases that a commercial composter cannot accept, they may be put in the trash.

Can I move Ash brush and wood (Emerald Ash Borer)? Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) is present in Vermont. To protect our forests:

  • Recommendation: “Buy it where you burn it.” Avoid moving untreated firewood long distances.

  • Learn More: Check VTinvasives.org for the most current infestation map and transport recommendations.

♻️ Management Options

  1. Compost at Home: Dried leaves and grass provide the perfect “carbon” source to keep your backyard food scrap bin balanced and odor-free.

  2. Invasive Species: Do not put invasive plants (like Japanese Knotweed) in your backyard compost.

    • Best Practice: Kill them on-site by solarization (covering with plastic) or desiccation (drying out).

    • Disposal: Ask your transfer station attendant if they accept invasives. If not, double-bag them and dispose of them in the trash to prevent further spread.

  3. Diseased Plants: Backyard compost piles rarely get hot enough to kill diseases. Bury diseased plant material away from your garden or ask your town for local drop-off options.

🔥 Can I burn leaf and yard debris?

Under Vermont Air Pollution Control Regulations, you cannot burn weeds or crop residues for simple disposal. However, burning brush and tree cuttings as part of “normal property maintenance” is generally allowed.

  • Permits: Always contact your local Fire Warden for a burn permit before starting any outdoor fire.

Learn more about disease prevention in home gardens from University of Missouri Extension. 

Can I burn leaf and yard debris?

Open burning of vegetative matter, such as weeds and crop residue, as a means of disposal is not allowed by the DEC Air Pollution and Control Regulations. It is permissible under those Regulations to burn for the purpose of weed abatement; disease, forest fire, and pest prevention or control; and for the purpose of agricultural, forestry, or wildlife habitat management. Also allowed is burning of material such as brush and tree cuttings that are accrued as part of normal property maintenance. For more information on open burning, visit the Air Quality & Climate Division website or call at 802-828-1288.