Vermont Low Income trust for Electricity Funds Electrification at New Eco Depot
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June 12,2025 – BERLIN,VT – The Central Vermont Solid Waste Management District (CVSWMD) has received a notable grant from the Vermont Low Income Trust for Electricity (VLITE) to support electrification efforts at its new Eco Depot facility. The funding will enable the district to reduce its reliance on fossil fuels and enhance its services for residents and small businesses.
VLITE has awarded CVSWMD $80,981 to implement several key upgrades. these include the purchase and installation of backup battery systems,which will replace traditional generators. Additionally, the grant will fund the lease of an electric vehicle to minimize the use of fossil-fueled vehicles for staff travel and the installation of a charging station for this vehicle.
This support from VLITE is crucial for CVSWMD’s commitment to electrification, aiming to considerably decrease the municipality’s dependence on fossil fuels for its essential programs. These programs encompass outreach and education on waste reduction and management, as well as the collection of household hazardous waste and specialized recyclables such as electronics, mercury bulbs, architectural paint, and batteries.
residents across CVSWMD’s 19 member-municipalities have voiced a consistent demand for a year-round Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) drop-off center, moving away from the previous seasonal collection model. Following the closure of the award-winning Additional Recyclables Collection Center (ARCC) in Barre, CVSWMD is expanding its services by constructing a new facility in Berlin. This Eco Depot will accept special recycling and household hazardous waste throughout the year. The facility is slated to open later this year, providing a safe disposal option for materials like household cleaners, automotive fluids, paint products, and pesticides, among other problematic wastes previously handled at the ARCC. Further details about the Eco Depot are available at cvswmd.org/eco-depot.
The newly installed backup batteries will facilitate the integration of energy-efficient electric systems into the ongoing construction. They will also provide emergency backup power without the need for fossil-fueled generators, thereby improving the reliability and safety of the new facility during power outages. Furthermore, these batteries will contribute to energy storage and grid resilience under normal operating conditions.
the electric vehicle will enable CVSWMD staff to virtually eliminate the use of combustion engines for their outreach and education visits to constituents. CVSWMD expresses its gratitude to VLITE for their support, without which these improvements woudl not have been possible.
Looking toward the future of electrification and technological advancements in Vermont,CVSWMD intends to lead discussions on the safe and responsible management of waste products generated by these initiatives,including the very battery backup systems installed in this project.
CVSWMD member-municipalities include Barre City, Barre Town, Berlin, Bradford, braintree, Brighton, Brookfield, Cabot, Calais, Craftsbury, Duxbury, East Montpelier, Eden, Elmore, Hardwick, Hyde Park, Middlesex, Montpelier, Moretown, Northfield, Plainfield, Roxbury, Shelburne, Stowe, Waterbury, Woodbury, and Worcester.
Evergreen Insights
Background: The Central Vermont Solid Waste Management District (CVSWMD) serves a significant portion of central Vermont, focusing on lasting waste management practices. The district’s commitment to environmental stewardship is evident in its pursuit of innovative solutions to reduce waste and promote recycling.
Context: The transition to electric vehicles and renewable energy storage solutions is a growing trend in municipal operations across the United States.this shift is driven by environmental concerns, the desire to reduce operational costs associated with fossil fuels, and the increasing availability of supportive funding and technology.
Historical Trends: Historically, waste management facilities have relied heavily on fossil-fuel-powered equipment and vehicles. Though, recent years have seen a concerted effort by local governments and environmental organizations to explore and implement cleaner alternatives, spurred by climate change initiatives and public demand for more sustainable practices.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the Vermont Low Income Trust for Electricity (VLITE)?
- VLITE is an organization that provides funding to support energy efficiency and renewable energy projects, notably those that benefit low-income Vermonters and promote the state’s clean energy goals.
- What is the Central vermont Solid Waste Management District (CVSWMD)?
- CVSWMD is a regional entity responsible for managing solid waste and promoting waste reduction and recycling for 19 member municipalities in central Vermont.
- What is the Eco Depot?
- The Eco Depot is a new facility being constructed by CVSWMD in Berlin, vermont, which will serve as a year-round drop-off center for household hazardous waste and
