BURLINGTON, Vt. (WCAX) – The Burlington City Council on Monday night voted to privatize the city’s recycling, allowing Casella Waste Systems to take over the responsibility of hauling away the city’s annual 5.5 million pounds of recycling.
Burlington’s Department of Public Works union members are breathing a sigh of relief after a yearslong battle to get the city to take recycling off their plate.
Colby Delaire is one of the many Burlington DPW employees fed up with filling in. He says employees from the street department are working dangerous amounts of overtime to make up for two vacancies in Burlington’s recycling program.
“We’re very touched and thank all the councilors. The council has heard us loud and clear that workers’ safety, security, and overall physical and mental health has to be addressed,” said Dealire.
In a rare move, councilors voted across party lines Monday night in Contois Auditorium. The final tally was 8-4 in favor of contracting Casella to run the city’s recycling.
“It should be subject to democratic control on a not-for-profit basis, but I am convinced that we cannot get there now, sadly. We need a strategic retreat,” City Councilor Gene Bergman, P-Ward 2.
Those in favor of the Casella takeover say the program, as it stands, is too expensive and understaffed. Those opposed are concerned about environmental implications and are afraid the city won’t be able to take over the service again if they contract it out now.
“The consequences of privatization of public goods are well known, especially here in Burlington: higher costs and greatly diminished public accountability,” City Councilor Marek Broderick, P-Ward 8.
The contract is for seven years, and its effectiveness will be studied by a new oversight committee. For residents, not much will change. People can keep taking their recycling to their normal spot. One perk Casella is offering is to pick up on holidays and do backdoor service.
Burlington Public Works Director Chapin Spencer said he plans to sign the contract on March 20, but it won’t go into effect until Jan. 1, 2027.
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