Pay-As-You-Throw Trash Program Begins July 1

Be prepared to see orange trash bags on the shelves when doing your grocery shopping.

Stating July 1, residents who currently use one of Plymouth's transfer stations will be required to place their trash in orange trash bags as part of the town's new Pay-as-you-throw program. The new program goes into effect in July, and will be fully operational beginning next January. Starting then residents will have two choices: Dispose their trash at the Manomet transfer station, or join the automated curbside trash pickup service with single-stream recycling.

The PAYT bags are for solid waste only and not recyclable items. Recyclable items will continue to be disposed of at the transfer stations as they are now. The new Plymouth orange trash bags will be available at retail outlets throughout Plymouth prior to July 1 and will cost $1.25 each and will be available in a roll of five bags for $6.25. A complete list of the retailers that will carry the bags will be posted on Plymouth's website in the near future.

According to a release issued by the Town Manager's Office, the new PAYT program will allow Plymouth to "significantly increase recycling and reduce the amount of trash it pays to dispose of, considerably reducing the cost of this service to residents. It will also create a far more fair and efficient trash collection program for everyone where residents who recycle no longer subsidize trash collection for their neighbors--who may not recycle."

By charging a dollar per bag, the town is trying to encourage residents to recycle more trash: "Remember, by recycling more you’ll produce less trash which means you’ll use fewer trash bags. The new SMART PAYT program lets you take control of your waste disposal costs."

In the coming weeks, the DPW will roll out web page for the town’s new SMART PAYT program.

To learn more about the benefits of SMART PAYT programs, visit the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection or call the Plymouth Department of Public Works at 508-830-4162 ext. 100 with any questions.