Landfills & Dumps in Connecticut

Connecticut's waste management system differs significantly from most states, relying primarily on waste-to-energy facilities rather than traditional landfills. The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) oversees this network through the Comprehensive Materials Management Strategy, which emphasizes source reduction, recycling, and composting before energy recovery, with landfill disposal as the last resort. Despite these efforts, Connecticut still disposes of approximately 2.4 million tons of trash annually, roughly 1,370 pounds per person per year.

Each of Connecticut's 169 municipalities operates a transfer station where residents bring household waste. Access typically requires a permit or sticker obtained from your town hall, with proof of residency. Waste collected at these stations is transported to regional resource recovery facilities that burn trash to generate electricity. Hours, fees, and accepted materials vary by municipality, so check with your town before visiting. Some towns charge per bag while others include disposal in property taxes.

Recycling is mandatory throughout Connecticut, with nine designated items that cannot be disposed of in regular trash: glass and metal food containers, corrugated cardboard, newspaper, white office paper, scrap metal, leaves, used motor oil, and vehicle batteries. Single-stream recycling allows residents to combine acceptable recyclables in one container. Contaminating recyclables with trash can result in fines, and facilities may reject contaminated loads.

Special waste items require separate handling at most transfer stations. Electronics, mattresses, tires, and appliances containing refrigerants have designated drop-off areas with specific fees. Connecticut's mattress recycling program, funded by fees collected at retail purchase, allows residents to return old mattresses when buying new ones or dispose of them at transfer stations. White goods like refrigerators and air conditioners require refrigerant removal before disposal.

Construction and demolition debris goes to specialized C&D facilities or volume reduction plants rather than resource recovery facilities. These materials are processed to recover recyclable components before residuals go to permitted landfills. For household hazardous waste like paint, pesticides, and chemicals, DEEP coordinates collection events throughout the year. Contact the Solid Waste Office at 860-424-3366 for guidance on proper disposal of unusual materials.