Burlington City Council Approves Recycling Contract with Casella

City workers will no longer handle recycling collection starting in 2027

Published on Mar. 10, 2026

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The Burlington City Council voted 8-4 to contract Casella Waste Systems to handle the city's recycling program starting in 2027. This decision comes after years of Burlington's Department of Public Works employees struggling with the workload and calling for the city to take recycling off their plate. While some councilors expressed concerns about privatization and environmental implications, the majority felt the current program was too expensive and understaffed to continue.

Why it matters

The decision to outsource recycling collection to a private company is a significant shift in how Burlington manages its waste and reflects the challenges many municipalities face in maintaining recycling programs. The move raises questions about public accountability and environmental impact, but also addresses concerns over worker safety and burnout.

The details

Under the new 7-year contract, Casella Waste Systems will take over Burlington's recycling collection starting on January 1, 2027. This comes after years of Burlington DPW employees, like Colby Delaire, voicing concerns about the dangerous overtime required to cover staffing shortages in the recycling program. While some councilors like Gene Bergman and Marek Broderick opposed the privatization, the majority felt it was necessary given the program's high costs and staffing issues.

  • The Burlington City Council voted on the recycling contract on March 9, 2026.
  • The new Casella Waste Systems contract will go into effect on January 1, 2027.

The players

Colby Delaire

A Burlington DPW employee who has been vocal about the challenges faced by workers in the city's recycling program.

Gene Bergman

A Progressive city councilor who opposed the decision to contract out recycling, citing concerns about privatization and public accountability.

Marek Broderick

Another Progressive city councilor who voiced opposition to privatizing the recycling program, warning about the consequences of privatizing public services.

Chapin Spencer

The director of Burlington's Department of Public Works, who plans to sign the contract with Casella Waste Systems on March 20th.

Casella Waste Systems

The private waste management company that will take over Burlington's recycling collection starting in 2027.

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What they’re saying

“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.”

— Colby Delaire, Burlington DPW employee

“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.”

— Gene Bergman, Progressive city councilor

“The consequences of privatization of public goods are well known, especially here in Burlington: higher costs and greatly diminished public accountability.”

— Marek Broderick, Progressive city councilor

What’s next

The director of Burlington's Department of Public Works, Chapin Spencer, plans to sign the contract with Casella Waste Systems on March 20th, 2026. The new recycling collection contract will then go into effect on January 1, 2027.

The takeaway

Burlington's decision to outsource its recycling program to a private company highlights the difficult trade-offs municipalities face in balancing worker welfare, environmental concerns, and budgetary constraints. While some see privatization as a necessary step, others worry about the long-term implications for public control and accountability.