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Pay As You Throw

Pay-As-You-Throw (PAYT) programs charge residents for waste removal services based on the quantity of material discarded. Some may have a set rate per bag, while other use a combination of a fixed subscription fee plus a variable fee based on service. Many residents find this to be an economical and equitable means of paying for waste collection.

The benefits of PAYT programs include:

  • Fairness - each household pays based on its use of solid waste services.
  • Increased Recycling - residents have incentive to recycle everything possible in theircommunity.
  • Waste Reduction - consumers become more aware that they can purchase recyclable packaging, avoid excessive packaging and consider alternatives to disposable products.
  • Composting - householders have incentive to reduce waste and recycle by practicing home composting, vermicomposting (using worms) and grasscycling (leaving grass clippings on the lawn).

What can you do? Ask your municipality to consider PAYT, or ask your hauler if they offer PAYT as an option.