In 2006, over 42,000 tons of construction and demolition (C&D) debris generated in Chittenden County went to landfills. To help fund costs associated with developing a mixed C&D recycling facility in the District, CSWD awarded two grants of $10,000 each in 2004.

Design and permitting
Myers Container of Winooski, VT received grant funds used to reimburse engineering costs associated with the design and permitting of a facility on Rathe Road in Colchester.

Feasibility research and evaluation
Green Seal Environmental (GSE) of Sandwich, MA received a grant to research and evaluate the feasibility of a mixed C&D facility in Chittenden County. GSE conducted research on local C&D debris generation, permit requirements, site and equipment needs, and end markets for expected products from a C&D recycling facility. GSE's findings conclude that a facility is likely to be economically viable if:

• the facility captured a minimum of 15,000 tons (or 50 tons per operating day) of the C&D waste generated annually in Chittenden County,
• significant incentives (reduced tip fee, convenient location, ease of use, etc.) were offered to attract customers, and
• C&D fines from the operation were usable as alternative daily cover at Vermont landfills and not taxed as solid waste.

The main products created would be: C&D fines, treated wood, clean wood, aggregate, metals, gypsum, asphalt shingles, and cardboard. Stable markets exist for some of these materials, but market development would be needed for others.

Draft Business Plan
GSE drafted a business plan that could be used by a potential operator of a C&D processing facility. The plan enables potential operators to "plug-in" information specific to their proposed operation. To view or download the draft Business Plan, click here.