Solid Waste Collection Updates
Pay-As-You-Throw Bags
The prices of bags will increase on March 15, 2026, to $3.50 for a small (15 gallon) yellow bag, and $4.75 for a large (32 gallon) bag. This is the first time these prices have ever been raised, since the beginning of the Pay-As-You-Throw program over 10 years ago. The increase is intended to account for inflation, and to help cover the operational expenses incurred by the disposal of trash.
What Else is Happening with Brattleboro’s Solid Waste Collection?
For over two years, the Town of Brattleboro has been discussing how it wishes to provide for solid waste collection. In previous years, the Town had worked with a local hauler for a very reasonable rate, but in 2023 the hauler sold their business and was not interested in future contracts. In 2024, the Town went out to bid to find a new hauler for all three streams of solid waste collection.
Only one bid was submitted, by Casella Waste Systems, but the Town was not quite satisfied with their proposal and entered into negotiations with Casella to find a better solution together. Meanwhile, at Town Meeting and the Selectboard, there was much discussion of the expenses related to solid waste and how to best serve the people of Brattleboro, while managing a very tight budget situation. Many options and alternatives were discussed and considered over 2024 and 2025.
In January, 2026 the Selectboard approved a final proposal, with a slimmed down scope of work for Casella. The current plan has Casella providing trash and recycling collection for roughly the next three fiscal years, but with some adjustments to their initial proposal. In the initial proposal the pay-as-you-throw bag system for trash was originally going to be replaced with automated bins for more efficient collection.
Instead, Brattleboro will keep the PAYT system and not move to automated carts for trash. This saves the Town hundreds of thousands of dollars, just in cart expenses. However, the Town does plan to eventually move to automated collection and carts for recycling, but this will not be rolled-out for some time. Lastly, the Town will provide for compost collection itself, not Casella, using the same bin system that has been in place up until now.
So what's changing? Not a lot!
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As mentioned above, the prices of bags will increase on March 15, 2026, to $3.50 for a small (15 gallon) yellow bag, and $4.75 for a large (32 gallon) bag. This is the first time these prices have ever been raised, since the beginning of the Pay-As-You-Throw program over 10 years ago. The increase is intended to account for inflation, and to help cover the operational expenses incurred by the disposal of trash.
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No Leaf Collection This Spring: The Town will not be offering curbside leaf collection during spring 2026. The program was discontinued during the FY26 budget development process. The public can compost leaves at the Windham Solid Waste Management District (WSWMD), located at 327 Old Ferry Road in Brattleboro. Call WSWMD with questions about leaf drop-off at 802-257-0272. Here are some helpful tips if you plan to bring your leaves to WSWMD:
- Free to drop off.
- Leaves are accepted during regular business hours (M-F 7-3, Sat 8-1).
- NO PLASTIC BAGS, PLEASE.
- No access sticker required.
- Please be advised that the drop-off area is muddy.
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The schedule of pick-up will move to every two weeks for recycling and trash, and remain every week for compost. Please check the Disposal Guide for details on acceptable materials for each stream and view the Pick-up Schedule to identify your appropriate pick-up day for each stream. This change is anticipated to take effect on July 1, 2026. The change is dependent on the outcome of Open Town Meeting and contract negotiations with Casella.
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The Town will collect compost through staff and equipment at the Department of Public Works. Why? Because this is currently the cheapest way to provide this service to the Town. Compost has unique requirements to haul, and it is not as profitable for private haulers as the other streams. Additionally, for over 10 years the Town of Brattleboro has participated in one of the most successful composting operations in the New England, through its partnership with the Windham Solid Waste Management District. We hope to build on that success, which protects the environment and rebuilds our soils, while building our economy. This change is anticipated to take effect on July 1, 2026. The change is dependent on the outcome of Open Town Meeting.
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Eventually, you will have to register for a new recycling cart that is compatible with Casella’s automated system. The Town will reach-out and ask you to provide some information to arrange delivery. This is not expected to occur until 2027, but stay tuned for more updates!
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Solid Waste guidance and resources on the Town website have been updated to reflect the new arrangement, please view the Disposal Guide, Cheat-Sheets, and Pick-up Schedule, which are designed to be easily printable and put on the fridge. Look for these documents in the "Guides" section, toward the bottom of the solid waste page.