Just moved and staring at a pile of boxes while wondering how to turn on the lights, set up trash, and get internet working? You are not alone. When you land in a small Vermont town, utilities and local services can feel confusing because many programs are run locally and vary by address. This guide walks you through the essentials so you can settle in with confidence and avoid surprises. Let’s dive in.
Start services fast
Getting your core utilities set up early keeps your first week smooth. A few calls and online forms can save you time and stress.
Electricity in Vermont
Your electric provider depends on your exact address. The largest utility is Green Mountain Power, and many rural areas are served by electric co-ops. To confirm who serves your location, check with the town office or use the resources from the Vermont Department of Public Service.
When you open an account, have your lease or closing documents, photo ID, and Social Security number or equivalent ready. Ask about deposit requirements, connection timelines, and billing options like autopay, e-billing, and budget plans. If you need power active right after closing or move-in, schedule the connection a few business days in advance.
For energy savings and rebates on upgrades, explore programs from Efficiency Vermont. These resources can help whether you own or rent.
Heat and fuel
Natural gas service is limited in Vermont, so many homes rely on propane, heating oil, or wood. If your home has a propane or oil tank, ask the seller, landlord, or property manager which supplier has been servicing it and whether you can transfer that account.
If you are choosing a supplier, compare delivery schedules, contract terms, automatic delivery options, and any required minimum fills. For wood heat, line up seasoned wood early and confirm chimney maintenance before heavy use.
Water and sewer or private systems
Some Vermont towns bill for municipal water and sewer through the town or a utility district. Others rely on private wells and septic systems. Call the town clerk or water department to confirm which one you have and how billing works.
If you are on a private well and septic, request any recent inspection or pumping records and note recommended maintenance (septic pumping is commonly every 3 to 5 years). Ask the town where to find local septic rules and permitted haulers.
Internet and phone
Internet options vary by street. Wired providers may include Spectrum, Consolidated Communications, TDS, or VTel, while some areas use fixed wireless, satellite, or cellular hotspots. Check what is available to your address using the broadband resources from the Department of Public Service.
Ask neighbors about reliability and real speeds, especially in winter. If installation timelines are long, consider a temporary mobile hotspot or satellite while you wait.
Trash and recycling basics
Vermont towns follow a few common models for trash and recycling. Understanding your local setup will help you avoid missed pickups or extra fees.
Curbside vs. transfer station
- Municipal curbside collection: The town contracts with a hauler to pick up trash and sometimes recycling. You may receive town carts or need to buy approved bag stickers.
- Transfer station model: Many towns have a transfer station where you bring trash, recycling, and yard waste. You may need a town permit or sticker for access.
- Hybrid: Some towns offer curbside recycling, with bulky items and special waste handled at the transfer station.
Confirm your model on the town website or by calling the town clerk. Note hours, fees, and what materials are accepted.
Carts, stickers, and pay-as-you-throw
If your town uses carts, choose a size that fits your household. Where bag stickers are required, buy them at the town office or transfer station. Many towns follow a pay-as-you-throw approach, so you pay based on how much trash you set out.
Keep stickers visible on each bag. Label carts with your address, especially if your street has multiple units.
Holiday schedules and alerts
Most haulers shift pickup by one day when a holiday falls on or before your pickup day. If the holiday is after your day, your schedule may stay the same. Exact practices vary, so check your town page, hauler website, or bulletin for the official holiday calendar.
Sign up for email or text alerts if available. Winter weather can cause delays, so keep a flexible plan during storms.
Recycling rules in Vermont
Vermont follows statewide universal recycling guidance under Act 148, with local details set by your hauler or transfer station. Most programs accept clean paper and cardboard, metal cans, glass bottles and jars, and certain plastics. Keep food residue out of paper and cardboard to avoid contamination.
For items like plastic bags and film, electronics, or scrap metal, ask your transfer station where to bring them. The Vermont ANR Solid Waste Management Program has helpful statewide guidance.
Yard waste and composting
Leaves, brush, and food scraps are often handled separately from regular trash. Your town or regional district will have the specifics.
Leaf and brush options
Some towns offer seasonal leaf pickup or designated drop-off days at the transfer station. Others require you to bring leaves and brush to a specific site or hire a private hauler. Look for notices on your town website or transfer station page.
Brush chipping days can be scheduled in spring and fall. Bring ID and any required permit or sticker.
Composting and food scraps
Many towns and districts promote backyard composting and may sell discounted bins. Some transfer stations accept food scraps or offer community compost options. Check your solid-waste district for schedules and accepted materials.
The Chittenden Solid Waste District shares clear examples of programs and HHW events. Your town’s district will have similar local info and calendars.
Special disposal: bulky, electronics, hazardous
Some items require extra steps to dispose of safely or legally. Plan ahead to avoid surprise fees on moving day.
Bulky items and appliances
Transfer stations usually accept bulky items like sofas and mattresses for a fee. Appliances may have special handling requirements. Refrigerators and freezers need proper refrigerant handling, which is often included in the disposal fee.
Many haulers offer scheduled bulky pickups for an extra charge. Confirm accepted items, pricing, and how to schedule a pickup.
Electronics and e-waste
Electronics do not belong in curbside trash. Towns, transfer stations, or regional collection events accept TVs, computers, and peripherals, sometimes for a fee. Ask for the e-waste drop-off location and hours before you load the car.
Household hazardous waste
Paints, pesticides, solvents, automotive fluids, and fluorescent bulbs are considered Household Hazardous Waste. Do not put HHW in regular trash or recycling. Your regional solid-waste district runs HHW collection days, sometimes with registration or a small fee. Check your district calendar and store materials safely until the next event.
Who to call for local answers
When in doubt, pick up the phone or check your town website. Most answers are a quick call away.
Town contacts
- Town Clerk: Rules for stickers or permits, billing details, and where to find pickup schedules.
- Public Works or Highway Department: Road conditions, snow removal notices, and seasonal brush or leaf programs.
- Transfer Station or Recycling Center: Hours, accepted materials, fees, and permit requirements.
- Your Hauler (if curbside): Account setup, missed pickups, holiday schedules, and cart replacements.
Keep a note with the hauler’s customer service line and the town office number on your fridge or phone.
Regional and state resources
- Vermont Department of Public Service: Utility information, consumer help, and broadband availability maps. Start at the Department of Public Service.
- Efficiency Vermont: Rebates, weatherization tips, and efficiency advice for homeowners and renters at Efficiency Vermont.
- Vermont ANR Solid Waste Management Program: Statewide rules and guidance at the Solid Waste Management Program.
- Your regional solid-waste district: Look up your district for HHW schedules, composting options, and recycling rules. The Chittenden Solid Waste District is one example of how districts share local details.
First-week checklist
Use this quick list to get organized during your first seven days.
- Confirm your electric provider and open or transfer service.
- Verify heating fuel delivery or transfer the tank account; schedule the first fill if needed.
- Call the town clerk to learn if you have curbside pickup or need a transfer station permit and trash stickers.
- Locate the transfer station, note hours and fees, and learn rules for recycling, electronics, and bulky items.
- Identify whether you have municipal water and sewer or a private well and septic; set up billing or plan maintenance.
- Check internet options for your address and schedule installation or a temporary solution.
- Sign up for town or hauler alerts for weather and holiday service changes.
- Mark dates for leaf and brush collection and your district’s HHW events.
Practical tips for winter and rentals
Vermont winters can affect pickup and service calls. Place carts where plows and haulers can access them, with lids closed to keep snow out. If a storm cancels pickup, leave carts out only as instructed by your hauler and watch for alerts.
If you rent, confirm which utilities and services your landlord handles. Ask for the current hauler name, pickup day, and any transfer station sticker details so you do not miss service.
Getting settled in a new town feels easier when you know exactly who to call and what to expect. If you want a simple plan for your move and housing needs, connect with Unknown Company. Let’s talk about your next step.
FAQs
How do I find my electric company in a small Vermont town?
- Start with the town clerk or check the Vermont Department of Public Service for regulated utility information, then confirm by calling the utility that serves your address.
What if my Vermont home has a private well and septic?
- Request recent inspection and pumping records, ask the town about local rules and permitted haulers, and plan septic pumping every 3 to 5 years unless a pro advises otherwise.
How does pay-as-you-throw trash work in Vermont towns?
- You buy approved trash stickers or specific bags and pay based on volume, which encourages recycling and composting while keeping overall costs fair.
Where do I bring hazardous waste in Vermont?
- Check your regional solid-waste district calendar for HHW collection days, store items safely until the event, and never place HHW in regular trash or recycling.
What should I do if my trash pickup is missed in Vermont?
- Note the date and time, take a quick photo if possible, contact your hauler first, and follow up with the town office if the issue is not resolved.
Who handles leaf and brush disposal in small Vermont towns?
- Towns may offer seasonal pickups, drop-off days, or transfer station options, so check your town website or call the clerk for the current schedule and rules.
