Disaster Debris/Flood Debris

Disaster debris should be separated by material type and managed appropriately. Following a flood, storm, fire, or other disaster, do not place all debris together in the trash. Proper separation helps protect public health, the environment, and workers handling the debris.

Hazardous or Dangerous Materials

Disaster-impacted hazardous materials—including paint, gasoline, oil, pesticides, chemicals, propane cylinders, large batteries, electronics, and other toxic, flammable, or dangerous materials—must be kept separate from regular trash and debris. Many of these materials are banned from disposal in Vermont landfills.

Do not mix hazardous materials together. Keep materials in their original containers when possible, and do not transport leaking or damaged containers unless you have received appropriate instructions.

BCSWA Household Hazardous Waste Information

BCSWA HHW Appointment Information

Vegetative Debris

Tree limbs, branches, leaves, brush, and other clean, untreated wood should be separated from other disaster debris. Clean wood and leaf and yard debris are banned from disposal in Vermont landfills.

These materials should be brought to an appropriate stump dump, clean-wood collection site, or other approved location.

BCSWA Leaf, Yard & Clean Wood Debris Information

Construction and General Disaster Debris

Construction and general disaster debris may include damaged drywall, carpeting, furniture, building materials, wet cardboard, and other non-hazardous materials. Separate recyclable and reusable materials whenever possible.

Some construction and demolition debris can be brought to local transfer stations for a fee. Contact your local transfer station before bringing disaster-related materials to confirm that they accept the material.

BCSWA Construction & Demolition Debris Information

BCSWA Transfer Stations

If a Federal Disaster Is Declared

If a federal disaster declaration is issued, special collection and disposal procedures may be established for disaster debris. Do not place hazardous materials, vegetative debris, or large amounts of disaster-related debris at the roadside unless your town or emergency officials specifically instruct you to do so.

Contact your town for instructions about collection, staging areas, and disposal following a declared disaster.

Additional Information

For current Vermont guidance on managing disaster and flood debris, visit the Vermont Department of Environmental Conservation’s Disaster Debris resources:

VT DEC – Disaster Debris Guidance and Resources