Question of the Day: Pay-As-You-Go Trash

The town of Weston sent an email yesterday indicating that the Board of Selectmen has decided to implement a Pay-As-You-Throw system:

Here's the body of the email:

The Board of Selectmen has voted to implement a “Pay-As-You-Throw” (PAYT) system of trash disposal at the Weston transfer station, effective November 1, 2011.

Residents using the transfer station will pay a permit fee of $75 ($25 for seniors) and will purchase trash bags in which all trash must be placed for disposal.  Bags will be available for sale in Weston by early October at Omni Foods, Ogilvie’s, Walgreen’s (Weston), and the Weston Market for the price of $2 for a 33 gallon bag and $1 for a 15 gallon bag.  Bags will be brightly colored and clearly marked as “Town of Weston” trash bags.

A reasonable number of bulky items such as couches, mattresses, etc. will be accepted for disposal by residents as part of the permit fee and with no additional charge.

Recyclables will continue to be accepted as they are now.  Residents who recycle more and dispose of less trash will pay less.

Normally, transfer station stickers expire as of September 30.  In order to allow residents time to learn about the new system of trash disposal, the deadline for purchase of new stickers is being extended this year for one month to October 31.

Any questions should be directed to Bob Hoffman, DPW Director of Operations at 781-786-5100 or hoffman.r@westonmass.org.

For more information, including "frequently asked questions," please check the Town's website.

What do you think about this new program? Do you think it's a good idea, or not?

Editor's Note: The following is from Town Manager Donna VanderClock: "The Town has always charged for trash disposal through a flat transfer station permit fee. The current price is $215 for a regular sticker or $132 for a senior household sticker. With “Pay As You Throw,” the sticker fee will be reduced and residents will be required to purchase bags. There is no charge for recycling beyond the sticker fee. It is quite possible that many people, especially senior households, will pay less under this system."