Special Recycling

What is Product Stewardship?

Vermont Product Stewardship is the act of managing a product and its packaging throughout its entire life cycle to both minimize the health, safety, environmental, and social impacts, and maximize economic benefits. While a product’s manufacturer has the most control over the product’s impact, other stakeholders, such as suppliers, retailers, and consumers, also play a role. Stewardship can either be voluntary or required by law.

What is Extended Producer Responsibility?

Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) is a mandatory type of product stewardship in which the manufacturer is responsible for helping properly manage its products even after they have been sold. Vermont’s EPR laws share the cost of recycling and safe materials management between manufacturers and consumers and increase collection and recycling rates of covered products. Vermont’s EPR programs are effective thanks to the convenient collection locations throughout the state, efforts by waste districts, towns, and private facilities, and outreach to consumers.