For details about the hazardous waste collection, backyard composting, and information about buying a backyard compost bin, click here to read and/or print out a Springfield-specific 2022 newsletter.
Residents can bring their recycling and trash to the Chester-Springfield Recycling Center and Transfer Station at 135 Fairground Road/100 Recycle Road in Springfield, one mile north of Riverside Junior High School (west side).
Phone: 885-5827
Or residents can choose to contract with a private hauler for trash removal and recycling services.
TRANSFER STATION
As of July 1, 2019, windshield stickers have been required and a punch card system for trash was instituted. For the most up-to-date information about the changes, visit the Town of Springfield’s website.
Monday 12:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Wednesday 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Saturday 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Welcome to the Springfield Recycling Center. We need your help to maintain a pleasant, efficient and safe work environment; your recyclable materials should all be clean and dry. Please read the signs and place materials in appropriate locations to maintain the quality of the recycled commodities.
Food Scraps – free of charge (subject to change)
Empty your food scraps into one of the toters. What is acceptable? – meat and bones, milk, cheese, dairy, fruit and vegetables, condiments and dressings, coffee grounds, filters, seafood and shells, fats, oils, spices, soups (please strain) “If it Grows, it goes!”
NOT acceptable: all paper products, bioplastics (PLA/PHA), condiment packets, straws/containers, rubber bands, twist ties, PLU stickers (Price Look-Up codes on fresh produce), packaging/recyclables, dishware/silverware, florist flowers (may contain chemical fungicides)
Recyclables Accepted:
Acceptable Plastics – #1-#7 (excluding #6 Styrofoam) Look for the identifying code number (in the recycling triangle) on bottom of container.
Containers and packaging with the recycling numbers #1 through #7 (exceptions listed below) NO BLACK PLASTIC
Special instructions:
- Rinse clean
- Remove and discard caps and covers
- Labels and neck rings are OK
- DO NOT tie with string
Examples of acceptable plastics: (#1-#5, #7)
- milk, cider, water, and windshield washer jugs
- bottles used for cleaning products
- laundry detergent bottles
- laundry bleach jugs
- shampoo and dishwashing detergent bottles
- soda and seltzer bottles
- juice and water bottles
- cooking oil bottles
- peanut butter jars
- sour cream, cottage cheese and yogurt tubs
- non-foam plastic egg cartons
- frozen food trays
- non-foam, hinged food containers (such as fast food and deli containers)
- pastry and cookie trays
- vegetable and fruit containers
- plastic molded packaging
Non-Acceptable Plastics:
- black plastic of any type
- fliptop lids
- #6 Styrofoam (packaging blocks, packing peanuts, and egg cartons)
- toys, laundry baskets, sleds, housewares
- plastic film (grocery bags, bread bags, and Tyvek envelopes)
- containers used to hold motor oil
- manufacturing scrap
- electronics housing
Please – no motor oil bottles
Brown Paper Bags
Clean, neatly folded bags can be saved for re-use. Wrinkled or torn bags should go in mixed paper bin. Plastic grocery bags can be recycled at Shaw’s grocery store.
Mixed Paper– almost anything
Newspapers, magazines, most thin, single-ply containers such as cereal boxes, catalogs, junk mail, office paper, paper bags, paperback books, books (hard covers removed and discarded)
Please, no plastic wrappers, waxy soap or frozen food containers, milk or juice cartons, tissue paper, wrapping paper or paper towels.
Batteries – all of the following batteries can go in the Battery Shed:
- Automotive (lead-acid)
- Household (alkaline) – AA, AAA, C, and D, 9V
- Button batteries (in hearing aids, watches, calculators, cameras, etc.) contain mercury and must be recycled.
- Rechargeable
Rechargeable batteries are commonly found in cordless power tools, cellular and cordless phones, laptop computers, camcorders, remote control toys, and portable household appliances. When your batteries can no longer hold a charge, bring them to the Transfer Station.
Brush
Only during open hours – drop off by the sign that says “Brush only” in the parking lot outside of the Transfer Station – near the Town’s winter sand pile.
Cell Phones, Laser and Inkjet Cartridges
Drop off old cell phones and used HP brand inkjet or laser cartridges at the transfer station; no large toner cartridges.
Clean Wood
There is a fee for dropping off clean wood – ask attendant.
Corrugated Cardboard
Clean, dry, and flattened out. Please, no waxy produce or greasy pizza boxes; they contaminate the recycling process (but they’re a good carbon source for your backyard composter – just tear them into smallish pieces).
Electronics
Vermont’s Electronic Waste law banned the disposal of many electronic devices in landfills as of January 1, 2011. The law also provides for the free and convenient collection of computers, TVs, printers, monitors and peripherals (keyboards, mice, etc.) from Vermont households charities, school districts and businesses with up to 10 employees. Collections began July 1, 2011. The Recycling Center accepts these items for free. Other electronic waste must also be recycled, but there is a fee.
Microwaves, radios, telephones, and VCRs, etc. – 20 cents per pound (Electronics contain a variety of hazardous chemicals and heavy metals and should be recycled responsibly.)
Eyeglasses and Hearing Aids
The non-profit Springfield Lions Club collects used eyeglasses and hearing aids for distribution to the needy in developing nations. All types of eyeglasses and sunglasses, prescription and non-prescription, are acceptable. Reading glasses, too. No eyeglass cases.
The collection boxes are at:
- Transfer Station – near newspaper bin
- The Senior Center in the Community Building
- Springfield Post Office, Main Street
- Duff & Delbianco (optometrist) – 2 Summer Street, Springfield
- Lawrence and Wheeler Insurance – 46 Main Street, Springfield
- Lane Eye Associates (ophthalmologist) – 441 River Street, Springfield
Fluorescent Light Bulbs and Tubes
All fluorescent bulbs (full-size and compact) contain mercury and must be recycled.
Disposal fees: none as of July 1, 2012; recycling is free. Residents can bring in any number of compact fluorescents per visit but only 10 tubes per visit.
Food Scraps
If you don’t want to compost your food scraps at home, you can bring them to the Transfer Station. You can add your food scraps (including meat and bones) to a container that is picked up weekly by Grow Compost, Inc. The container is located at the scale house. Currently, this service is free.
Styrofoam Peanuts
Peanuts should be tightly wrapped in plastic bags for re-use.
Clothing and Fabric
Clean clothes and large (one yard at least) fabric remnants are accepted in the Second Chance shop. They will be sorted for local use or recycled.
Glass
Clear, green, brown and blue glass bottles and jars – empty, clean with lids removed
We also accept ceramics, drinking glasses, mirrors, and window glass (removed from sash).
No Pyrex, light bulbs, headlights or windshield glass in this area
Aluminum
Beverage cans go in bin on the right side of tin can bay.
Tin Cans, Aluminum Pie Plates and Foil, Cat Food Cans and Metal Jar Lids
Go in bin on the left side of tin can bay. Need not be crushed but, please rinse them out.
Thermostats
Wall thermostats and other non-digital thermostats may contain mercury. The District’s transfer stations collect and recycle them thanks to a program sponsored by the Thermostat Recycling Corporation and the State of Vermont.
Compost Pile – Organic lawn and garden waste only: (Pile is inside of gate near scrap metal.)
- Leaves
- Grass clippings
- Weeds
- Garden debris
- House plants
- Twigs less than 1/4 in. in diameter
Please, do not dump brush, plastic flowers, clay pots, toys, broken window glass, bags of dog and cat residue, or trash of any kind in this area. Unless asked not to, please empty bags of yard waste onto the compost pile.
The Second Chance Shop
Unwanted, but good, usable items (including books) may be accepted here – ask an attendant. It would be best if donated items are of recyclable material. Electronics and items with cords are discouraged in general, as are incomplete puzzles, broken toys, big plastic items (ex., lawn furniture and yard toys); if you don’t want it, will anyone else? Proceeds from the sales of items in the shop support your Recycling Center.
The Second Chance Shop is open:
Monday 12:30 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Wednesday 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Saturday 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
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Buy and sell used materials at great prices by visiting the Reuse Marketplace. This is a free service that seeks to reduce waste by promoting the exchange of reusable commercial materials.
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TRANSFER STATION
All vehicles must display current access sticker (July 1 – June 30), available for purchase at the Springfield Town Office for $25 for one or $30 for two. For the most up-to-date information, visit the Town of Springfield’s website.
Regular trash disposal: punch card system.
$7.50 per punch card
- 1 punch (weight card) = 5 lbs. or fraction thereof
- 1 punch (volume card) = 8 lbs. or fraction thereof
- 1 green ticket = 5 lbs. or fraction thereof
Cash NOT accepted at transfer station for household trash. Before going to transfer station, purchase punch cards at:
- Springfield Town Hall
- Jake’s South Street Market, Springfield
- Joe’s Discount Beverages, Springfield
- Springfield Mobil (across from plaza)
- Chester Town Hall
- Chester True Value Hardware
Merchants usually charge a slight premium.
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Curbside recycling pickup available for a fee; explore local options for waste hauling.
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On the Ramp:
Ballast with PCBs – $2 (non-PCB ballasts – free)
Loveseat/Couch – $10 – $15 by size; Recliner – $15
Sleep Sofa or Hide-a-Bed – $20
Sectional Sofa – by the piece – reclining unit – $12-$15; seat section – $10; sleeper section – $20
Stuffed Chair – $10
Mattress – king or queen, $20; full or twin, $10; Box Springs – $5
Carpet – 15¢/lb.
Ceramic Sink – $5
Toilet – $8
Construction and Demolition Waste – Price determined by volume or weight; currently 15¢/lb.
(Cash or local checks may be used for construction and demolition waste and bulky waste.)
Scrap Metal
Iron, copper, steel, lead scrap (nails, car chains, iron pipe, sheet metal, tire rims), aluminum pots and pans, doors and window frames, sheet metal, etc.
- Remove and discard as much fabric, plastic, wood, and rubber as possible.
- No fuel tanks or sealed containers.
- Gas-powered equipment must have fuel and oil drained before bringing to transfer station.
- No batteries, e-waste, or hazardous material in metal dumpster.
***Scrap picking is not allowed. However, re-use is; if there is an item you need, please ask an attendant. (Make a reasonable offer.)
Do not climb into the dumpsters or onto the scrap heap.
Appliances
Refrigerators, freezers, air-conditioners, and dehumidifiers – $15 each (cost of Freon removal) Do NOT try to remove Freon; the cost will be the same.
All refrigerators and freezers must have door(s) removed.
Plastic dishwasher – $5
Stoves, washers, dryers, water heaters – no charge
Tires
Regular tires (up to 17″) – $5 on or off the rim
Truck tires (17″ and over) – $7 off the rim; on the rim – $10 and up
Large equipment tires – $25 and up
Propane Tanks
1 lb. – $1 each
20 lbs. – $3
30 lbs. and larger – $10 and up
Paint
Empty/dry metal paint cans go into scrap metals. Covers removed; cans flattened if possible.
Latex, as well as oil-based paint, is accepted at the District’s Household Hazardous Waste Depot which is open from May through September. In addition, several retailers in the District collect paint year-round at no cost:
- Aubuchon Hardware in Ludlow
- LaValley’s Building Supply in Ludlow
- Bibens Home Center in Springfield
- Sherwin-Williams in Springfield
- Aubuchon Hardware in Windsor
These retailers can only accept paint in labeled, non-rusty cans. Bring all other cans to the HHW Depot.
Your Solid Waste District opened an HHW Depot in Springfield in 2022 for the collection and safe disposal of household hazardous waste (HHW). Residents and businesses from all member towns may participate. Businesses will be charged a fee and must pre-register. Appointments required for residents. A $10 fee is charged for up to $10 gallons of HHW. Call 802-674-9235 for more info.
Waste Oil
Locations to check with (they use waste oil):
Howe Motors, Claremont, NH 603-542-5181
Spurr’s Repair, 4159 Route 106, near Downers 4 Corners 263-5459
Matulonis Body Shop 885-3884
Anyone else who can use waste oil – let us know.
Open Burning
Springfield has an open burning ordinance and with good reason. Decades ago, most trash consisted of only paper, cardboard, and glass. Today, however, manufacturers use a host of synthetics in packaging, most of which release carcinogenic toxins into the air and soil when burned. Please do your part to protect Vermont’s public and environmental health from toxics; talk to your neighbors about the dangers associated with burning trash.
To receive less national advertising mail, the Direct Mail Association has a program called DMAchoice. To register, click on “Get Started.”
The organization will charge $1.00 to place your name and home address in a “do-not-mail” file for three years.
CatalogChoice is a great way to cut down on unwanted catalogs that show up in your mailbox. Click on www.catalogchoice.org to find out more information.
Household Hazardous Waste
What to bring: Most substances with labels that say: Caustic, Caution, Corrosive, Poison, Toxic, Flammable, Warning, Danger
From the Garden/Yard/House: pesticides, herbicides, insect spray, rodent killer, metal polish, pool chemicals, photography chemicals, flea powder, no-pest strips, drain cleaner, oven cleaner, mothballs, lighter fluid, bathroom cleaners, chemistry sets, arts & crafts supplies, mercury thermometers, and mercury thermostats
From the Garage and the Workbench: antifreeze, brake fluid, gasoline, transmission fluid, radiator flusher, engine degreaser, carburetor cleaner, gas treatments, Xenon halogen headlight bulbs (blue-tinted), plastic fuel filters, rust proofers, wood preservatives, sealants, solvents, creosote, roofing tar, asphalt sealer, muriatic acid, varnish, paint thinner, wood strippers and stains, latex, lead- and oil-based paints. (Properly drained metal fuel filters can be recycled with scrap metal.)
DO NOT bring fluorescent bulbs or tubes, batteries, used motor oil, asbestos, dry creosote, radioactive material, empty containers, fireworks, or ammunition.