CSWD unveils brand refresh: 'A greener Vermont starts here' and phased rollout tied to MURF launch

Place Creative presented a brand refresh to the Chittenden Solid Waste District board on June 24, introducing the new positioning "CSWD — a greener Vermont starts here," a simplified mark combining a mountain shape and circular arrow and photography focused on staff and landscape.

Steve Craft of Place Creative said the refresh grew from workshops, surveys and research showing Vermonters care about the environment and respond to clear, simple guidance. The proposed identity emphasizes convenience, staff expertise and everyday actions that turn waste into resource: "Food scraps become nutrient-rich compost. Recycling becomes new products. Solid waste is diverted from Vermont's only landfill."

Staff said the launch will be phased to avoid waste: the first on-site application will be signage for the new materials recycling facility (MURF) when it commissions, with other assets (vehicles, apparel, printed materials) updated as replacements are needed. Board members welcomed the new mark and green color palette, noting the intent to differentiate CSWD from commercial haulers and to foreground waste reduction messaging alongside convenience and service.

The board provided feedback on integrating waste-reduction messaging and ensuring the brand supports programs such as PGA pilots; staff said reduced immediate replacement of branded apparel will avoid needless disposal and that the rollout will be coordinated with communications and operations teams.

The board did not take a vote on the brand at this meeting; staff will continue design work and coordinate launch timing with the MURF schedule.