We all know Vermont’s food waste recycling goals rely on haulers to transport materials from generators to destination facilities. Often overshadowed is the critical role haulers play in assuring the cleanliness and purity of organics entering the recycling system.

This VPRS 2023 session covered the important part haulers play in screening source-separated food residuals, identified policies, tools, and resources for haulers to utilize with customers, and empowered haulers to play an engaged role.

Q&A was encouraged and welcome. There was also time during this session for haulers to share their challenges and solutions for hauling food scraps and to learn from each other.

Presenters: Josh Kelly and Ben Gauthier, ANR/DEC

Video time stamps: 

• 00:00 Welcome to VORS 2023 from Natasha Duarte

• 2:45 Josh Kelly, ANR/DEC

• 3:30 Ben Gauthier, ANR/DEC

• 9:42 Josh Kelly, ANR/DEC

• 13:32 Shared resources

• 21:17 Q&A and discussion

• 36:30 More shared resources

• 39:39 Continued Q&A and discussion

• 46:30 Materials Management Map

• 49:04 Continued Q&A and discussion

Download all of the below resources (pdf)

Resources shared regarding Hauling

• How to Collect Food Scraps

• Small Scale Food Scrap Hauling Budget Template

• Managing Food Scrap Carts in Bear Country

• Defining Food Residuals Banned From Disposal in the Trash

• Universal Recycling Symbols, Bin Signage and other open source graphic files

• Materials Management Map (Interactive map with locations and details for Donation, Generators, Composters/ADs, Transfer Stations)

• VT Food Scrap Hauler list (slightly outdated, we’ll update soon!)

Resources that haulers can hand out to customers:

• Benefits of redirecting food scraps from landfills

• Frequently Asked Questions handouts for residents, businesses & institutions, landlords, condo associations, and resorts, hotels, and other lodging establishments

• Keep Compost Clean campaign and video