Pay-as-you-throw could be the future
The CT Mirror, February 03, 2012

A curious thing about recycling in Connecticut - it's mandatory. Has been for 20 years. And that doesn't just mean commercial folks have to recycle, or towns have to take your recycling if you choose to leave it out. The recyling laws in Connecticut mean that everybody, all the time, is required to recycle.

Waste – a short cut to job creation and lower costs
European Commission, Enterprise and Industry Press Release: Brussels, January 16, 2012

Brussels- Full implementation of EU waste legislation would save €72 billion a year, increase the annual turnover of the EU waste management and recycling sector by €42 billion and create over 400,000 jobs in 2020 according to a European Commission study published today. Illegal waste operations in Member States are causing missed opportunities for economic growth, but stronger national inspections and better knowledge about waste management would bring major improvements.

Hong Kong the lastest to introduce Trash Metering
Sierra Activist, January 11, 2012

Hong Kong the lastest to introduce Trash Metering...

Pay-as-you-throw lets towns burn less trash
MetroWest Daily News, December 29, 2011

Pay-as-you-throw lets towns burn less trash...

Pay-As-You-Throw is Fair, Responsible Trash Management
Bangor Daily News, June 24, 2011

A Bangor Daily News editorial argues that Trash Metering should be embraced by Bangor, Me, as "the only fair and equitable way to assess the cost - and it is a substantial cost - of disposing of trash."

Township Committee to Discuss New Garbage Hauling Scenario
Maplewood Patch, June 21, 2011

City officials in Maplewood, NJ, are discussing a plan to implement a townwide Trash Metering system. As the Maplewood Patch reports, proponents say Trash Metering would reduce the waste stream, drive efficiencies by making the cost of the trash that residents toss out more visible to each customer, induce more recycling (and recyclers) and cost dramatically less than what Maplewoodians are paying now. "We calculated that if Maplewood could get even a 10% reduction it would be the environmental equivalent of avoiding 4 million minivan miles," said Maplewood Environmental Advisory Committee member Bob McCoy. "So we are talking about a big deal!"

'Pay-As-You-Throw' Mulled in Milford
The Cabinet, June 16, 2011

The Cabinet examines the proposal to bring Trash Metering to Milford, NH. Town Administrator Guy Scaife has told selectmen that the program would cut costs and increase revenue. He gave board members a list of 38 New Hampshire towns and cities that have Trash Metering programs. Trash Metering is the "biggest thing a community can do to increase recycling and minimize solid waste," said Scaife.

Brewster Plans Pay-As-You-Throw Garbage Disposal
Cape Codder, June 14, 2011

The Cape Codder reports that Brewster, MA, is "on the road" to joining the more than 130 cities and towns in Massachusetts that are already enjoying the benefits of Trash Metering. "Overall it will save the town money and we will get more recycling," said Brewster Selectman Ed Lewis.

Wichita Considering Pay-As-You-Throw Trash
Wichita Eagle, May 31, 2011

The Wichita Eagle examines arguments in favor and against the proposed Trash Metering program that Wichita, KS, city leaders say they want to install to reduce the amount of trash being trucked away to regional landfills. City Manager Robert Layton said it became clear during community discussions that people pay vastly different rates for service and that many people, seniors in particular, are frustrated paying the same rate as a large family even if they throw only a bag or two out each week.

Recycling Rewards Program Isn't Enough
North Shore Sun, May 31, 2011

An editorial in Long Island, NY's North Shore Sun says a Trash Metering pricing scheme for garbage disposal would reduce trash "in ways a recycling rewards program never will."

Is a 'Pay as You Throw' Trash Program in Newton's Future?
Newton Patch, May 16, 2011

Grappling with tighter budget numbers year after year and aiming to become an even "greener" community, several members of Newton's Board of Aldermen requested last week that the Massachusetts city begin to look into a Trash Metering trash program, reports the Newton Patch.

"Pay As You Throw" May Be Future of Curbside Trash Disposal in Falmouth
Falmouth Enterprise, May 6, 2011

A town advisory committee has recommended that Falmouth, MA, adopt a Trash Metering pricing scheme for trash disposal, reports the Falmouth Enterprise. Virginia Valiela, executive director for the Greater New Bedford Regional Refuse District, said if Falmouth changes to Trash Metering, the results could be immediate and dramatic."Every town that I know of that goes to pay-as-you-throw cuts their trash in half" while recycling increases, she said. Ruth F.P. Brazier, chairman of the advisory committee, said the benefit of the pay-as-you-throw system is that residents pay for how much trash they throw away, rather than with a portion of their property taxes. "This you have some control over," she said. "You can recycle more and pay less, or recycle less and pay more."

Widener University Report Aims to Reboot Recycling
Patriot-News, April 19, 2011

The Patriot-News (PA) takes a look at a new recycling study by Widener University researchers that found that Trash Metering communities that charge a per-bag fee for trash disposal encourage their residents to recycle more and waste less.

Selectmen Mull 'Pay As You Throw' Program
Arlington Patch, April 7, 2011

Officials in Arlington, MA, say a proposed Trash Metering program would likely save the town an estimated $1.8-3.2 million per year in disposal costs and service fees. As the Arlington Patch reports, proponents of the program say Trash Metering provides a price incentive for residents to emit less waste and recycle more.

The Recycling and Economic Benefits of PAYT
Waste Age, March 2011

The industry journal Waste Age's March issue features an in depth examination of the financial and environmental benefits of Trash Metering, as well as a look at what state governments are doing to foster Trash Metering programs in their cities.

Residents Need Motivation
Waste & Recycling News, March 21, 2011

An editorial in Waste & Recycling News says Trash Metering "makes sense in so many ways." As local governments look for more and more ways to reduce costs, Trash Metering "puts the decision primarily on the individual citizen. He or she can control costs as they please. It makes it a lot harder for the public to complain about the government wasting our tax dollars or requiring tax revenue we'd rather not give them."

Deposit Debate
Worcester Telegram & Gazette, March 21, 2011

As the Massachusetts state legislature continues to deliberate the merits of requiring rebates on beverage bottles, some opponents are arguing that the so-called
"bottle bill" is less effective than Trash Metering in reducing the solid waste stream. As Christopher J. Crowley, executive vice president of Polar Beverages in Worcester, MA, explained to the Worcester Telegram & Gazette, the average Massachusetts resident throws away 900 pounds to 1,000 pounds per year; but with Trash Metering programs, the waste is reduced to 400 pounds.

Why Trash Idea?
Merrimack Journal, March 18, 2011

An editorial in the Merrimack Journal encourages residents of Merrimack, NH, to support Trash Metering, calling the program a way to "save money without raising taxes."

Pay As You Throw
Wall Street Journal, March 14, 2011

A Wall Street Journal associated blog argues that, without Trash Metering, even households that recycle still have no incentive to cut back on the waste they accumulate because they don't incur a cost for that waste.

City Ready to Engage Public on Pay-As-You-Throw Trash System
Bangor Daily News, March 10, 2011

The Bangor Daily News explains what city councilors in Bangor, ME, who voted earlier this year to begin moving toward a city-wide Trash Metering system, are doing to inform the public about the fairness as well as the environmental and economic benefits of a system that will require residents to pay by the unit for trash disposal. "I think as people learn more about it, they will see the benefit," said Councilor Gerry Palmer.

'Pay As You Throw' Fair Option
Merrimack Journal, March 3, 2011

A commentary by a Merrimack, NH, former Town Councilor calls the proposed Trash Metering system a way to "bring equity to the system and save the taxpayers at least $641,000 next year."

New Fee Proposed in Sandwich to Boost Recycling
Cape Cod Times, March 5, 2011

The Cape Cod Times reports that Sandwich, MA, will implement Trash Metering this summer. Town Selectmen unanimously approved the new pay-per-bag disposal program after hearing the results of a year-long task force that investigated the town's solid-waste options. The task force estimated Trash Metering would save the town $100,000 to $200,000 per year in reduced solid waste costs.

New Fee Proposed in Sandwich to Boost Recycling
Cape Cod Times, March 5, 2011

The Cape Cod Times reports that Sandwich, MA, will implement Trash Metering this summer. Town Selectmen unanimously approved the new pay-per-bag disposal program after hearing the results of a year-long task force that investigated the town's solid-waste options. The task force estimated Trash Metering would save the town $100,000 to $200,000 per year in reduced solid waste costs.

Kittery Goal: Less Trash, Money Saved
Portsmouth Herald, March 1, 2011

Kittery, ME, town officials have agreed to give a pilot Trash Metering program a try for the fiscal year beginning in July, 2011, reports the Portsmouth Herald. Councilor Gary Beers said he is a believer in Trash Metering for Kittery, anticipating that, with the pay-per-bag program, households will become more judicious about what they put in their trash bags.

Pay-As-You-Throw Make Sense for Tiverton
Sakonnet Times, Feb. 22, 2011

In a Sakonnet Times commentary, a member of the Tiverton, RI, Budget Committee writes that by adopting Trash Metering, the town would not only extend the life of the landfill, but would also avoid a large tax increase - "a win-win for the taxpayers."

This Idea Could Work
Merrimack Journal, Feb. 17, 2011

A Merrimack Journal editorial says the proposed Trash Metering program for Merrimack, NH, is likely to not only increase recycling and save the town money, but could also help "hold the line on taxes (or, better yet, retain police officers and firefighters)."

Arlington Pay-As-You-Throw Would Charge $2 Per Trash Bag
Boston Globe, Feb. 14, 2011

The Boston Globe reports that officials in Arlington, MA, believe implementing a Trash Metering program could save the town $2 million a year.

Sturbridge Board Proposes Pay-As-You-Throw Trash Disposal
Worcester Telegram & Gazette, Feb. 14, 2011

According to the Worcester Telegram & Gazette, officials in Sturbridge, MA, are looking at implementing Trash Metering as a means to make the town's recycling center and landfill "self-sustainable." The Board of Health's Linda N. Cocalis said, "Trash is not going to get any cheaper in the long term. So it makes it most equitable that people who actually use the facility are actually paying a portion of the facility directly."

Merrimack Revives Pay-Per-Bag Trash Plan
Union Leader, Feb. 12, 2011

Calling Trash Metering a way to increase revenue and decrease taxes, the Merrimack, NH, Town Council voted to implement the program this summer, requiring residents to pay for each bag of garbage they dispose of. According to the Union Leader, Council members agreed that pay-per-bag Trash Metering could save the town $641,063 a year, or even more. In return, the savings would reduce the tax rate by about 19 cents, according to data provided.

Pay Dough to Throw
Cape Cod Times, Feb. 5, 2011

A Cape Cod Times editorial touting the benefits of Trash Metering encourages local officials in Cape Cod to "take a closer look" at the program - "By providing a financial incentive to recycle, Pay-As-You-Throw instills some accountability into a trash disposal system where currently there is none."

Township Considers More Options for Recycling
Houston Chronicle, Jan. 27, 2011

The Houston Chronicle explores the impact that Trash Metering would have on Woodlands, Texas, a community located in the Houston metropolitan area - "Given a choice, most people would choose to pay as you throw," said Carolyn LaFleur, president of The Woodlands G.R.E.E.N. "It's a concept that just makes sense. A family can pay for trash service just as for any other service or utility."

Get Ready, Northampton, For Trash Disposal Changes
Daily Hampshire Gazette (MA), Jan. 26, 2011

An editorial in the Daily Hampshire Gazette says it would be unfair and counterproductive for the city of Northampton, MA, to switch from its current Trash Metering program to a system where all households paid the same for curbside garbage removal, regardless of how much trash they threw away - "For seniors on fixed incomes, small households, conscientious recyclers, 'green' consumers and lower-income residents, the yearly cost of disposal will easily double, triple or go even higher."

East Liverpool Debates Pay As You Throw Program
WFMJ-TV (OH), Jan. 25, 2011

WFMJ-TV explores the proposed Trash Metering system for billing for garbage removal in the city of East Liverpool, Ohio - "Right now we have some people who put out eight to ten bags on a weekly basis and they're being subsidized by people recycling or throwing away less," says Safety Service Director Ryan Estelle. He says, with Trash Metering, people can lower their monthly bill by recycling more.

Tilton Voters Will Consider Pay As You Throw
Winnisquam Echo (New Hampshire), Jan. 12, 2011

The Winnisquam Echo reports that Tilton, NH, voters will decide in March whether the town should adopt Trash Metering. Recycle Committee member Joseph Jesseman said the proposed Trash Metering program would bring cost savings to the town while creating a more environmentally-friendly method of waste disposal. "Our potential here is stupendous," Jesseman said. "Eighty percent of stuff is recyclable.we're only recycling 20 percent."

Overland Park Trash Task Force Considers 'Pay As You Throw'
Kansas City Star, Jan. 8, 2011

According to the Kansas City Star, the city of Overland Park will soon join dozens of other municipalities in Kansas that have already adopted Trash Metering. Local environmental officials have said the county's only landfill is quickly filling up and is scheduled to close by 2027. Officials hope more recycling could extend its life.

Bangor Likely to See Big Changes to Recycling in 2011
Bangor Daily News, Jan. 5, 2011

The Bangor Daily News reports that Bangor could have a city-wide Trash Metering program in place by the summer. City Councilor Geoffrey Gratwick says he believes Trash Metering, combined with single-stream recycling, is the best way for the city to improve its recycling participation rate, but said councilors should be prepared to spend the coming months communicating the benefits of the change and listening to the concerns of residents.

Bangor Considering New Program to Offset Cost of Trash Disposal
WABI-TV, Jan. 5, 2011

WABI-TV in Bangor, ME, reports on the city's efforts to move to a city-wide Trash Metering program to reduce waste and increase recycling. Bangor would join 140 other Maine communities that have already adopted Trash Metering.

Local Governments Struggling to Win the Waste Battle
The Citizen, Dec. 12, 2010

A number of towns and villages in Cayuga County, New York, have highly inefficient recycling programs, "effectively putting thousands of dollars out to the curb," according to the Citizen. A recent study commissioned by the county recommends that area communities implement Trash Metering to boost residential recycling rates.

Presque Isle Approves New Trash Program
Bangor Daily News, Dec. 3, 2010

The Bangor Daily News examines the new Trash Metering program that goes into effect this spring in Presque Isle, Maine. The impetus behind Trash Metering, says City Manager Jim Bennett, was preventing an increase in property taxes and extending the life of the landfill. Bennett says, under Trash Metering, property taxes will not go up.

Lambertville: Officials are Mulling Future Trash Options
The Beacon, Nov. 25, 2010

Lambertville, New Jersey, residents say the current $200-per-unit fee for garbage removal is "inequitable." They have called for an alternative, such as a "pay as you throw" method that would charge them for the amount of trash they actually dispose of - "People who consume less would pay less as would people who recycle more."

Thumbnails
Journal Tribune, Nov. 22, 2010

An editorial in Maine's Journal Tribune says the Town of Wells should be applauded for its plan to switch to pre-paid trash bags. But over in Sanford, Maine, things seem to be moving in the wrong direction, as evidenced by the drop from 40 percent to 26 percent recycling in the first full week since PAYT was rescinded by a town vote.

Overland Park Has New Plan for Trash Removal
Fox 4 Kansas City, Nov. 18, 2010

According to Fox News, Overland Park, Kansas, officials are hoping to adopt Trash Metering by 2012 - "We're running out of landfill space."

City Considers Options to Reduce Garbage
Rome Sentinel, Nov. 16, 2010

An article in the Rome Sentinel says Rome, NY, officials are considering a move to Trash Metering - "The top recycling municipalities locally illustrate the point. Utica (32 percent) and New York Mills (38 percent) use pay-as-you-throw bag systems."

State DEC Plans to Push Municipalities to More Stringent Recycling Efforts
Post-Star, Glens Falls, NY, Oct. 19, 2010

The Post-Star examines a proposed New York state plan that would call for diverting all but 10 percent of waste from landfills within the next decade. A staple of the plan would be encouraging all communities to adopt Trash Metering.

The Future Of Garbage: Once-A-Week Trash Pickup? Pay As You Throw? Privatization?
Montclair (NJ) Patch, Oct. 15, 2010

The Montclair Patch explores some of the options the Montclair City Council is considering to reduce spending in 2011. Trash Metering is on the table - "[It] can be effective when it gives incentives for good behavior."

Trash Should Be Pay As You Throw
St. James Press (MO), Oct. 14, 2010

An editorial in the St. James Press calls Trash Metering the "solution" for increasing the city's recycling rate - "It is the fairest way for people to pay for trash service and it offers a great incentive for people to recycle."

Pay-As-You-Throw Plan May Come to Allenstown
NewHampshire.com, Oct. 13, 2010

Allenstown (NH) officials are considering implementing a Trash Metering program, similar to one that went into effect in Hopkinton on Oct. 4, to save money on tipping fees, which are rising.

Pay As You Throw Plan Set for Trash
The Republican (Springfield, MA), Oct. 1, 2010

The Republican reports on the South Hadley (MA) Select Board's decision to implement Trash Metering to control the town's trash.

Selectman Pushes Plan To Address Budget Shortfall
The Enterprise (Cap Cod, MA), Oct. 1, 2010-10-21

The Enterprise examines the policy ideas of one member of the Sandwich (MA) Board of Selectmen who thinks a Trash Metering system would help alleviate some of the town's $2.2 million deficit.

Pay-As-You-Throw Method in Action
Boston Globe, Sept. 25, 2010

In a Boston Globe letter-to-the-editor, State Representative Jason Lewis urges communities to evaluate implementing a Trash Metering system for trash disposal.