Burlington Recycling Program Outsourced
Burlington opts to outsource its recycling program after years of operational challenges and worker frustration.
The city's decision comes after years of struggling to manage its own recycling operations, marked by aging equipment and persistent staffing issues. Outsourcing is projected to save Burlington taxpayers money compared to the current system. Casella Waste Systems will take over Burlington's recycling processing under a five-year contract. The city will continue to collect recyclables, but Casella will handle sorting and processing at their facility in Williston. Worker safety concerns and high turnover rates within the city's recycling department also contributed to the decision. The transition is expected to provide more stable employment opportunities for some of the current workforce.