Community Toolkit > Waste > Pay As You Throw

Pay-As-You-Throw Program

Falmouth, Maine

Community Profile: Falmouth is a suburban community of approximately 10,500 residents located outside of Portland, Maine. The town is governed by a town council whose seven council members are elected at-large. The Council elects the Chairman of the Council from among its members following each election.

Project Outline:

The Falmouth Pay-As-You-Throw (PAYT) program was initiated in 1991 by Anthony Hayes, Director of Public Works. Hayes was put in charge of this project by way of the Solid Waste Ordinance for the town which makes it the duty of the Public Works Director to oversee recycling.

The Falmouth Recycling Committee reviewed several options for collection of solid waste including traditional municipal collection, franchise contractor, and volume-based systems, and deciding on a unanimous recommendation of a modified pay-per-bag program where the collection cost is paid through the tax system and the disposal cost is reflected in the cost of the special bag used in the town.

This proposal was accepted and the program began in September of 1992.

Costs & Savings:

• The town buys about 200,000 large bags (33gallon) and 125,000 small bags (20-gallon) per year. These bags are then retailed at local stores for $1.50 and $1.05 respectively. The bags cost the town 12 and 7 cents respectively and the store is allowed a 2-cent per bag mark-up. In addition, a $1.50-cent sticker is available for bulky items under 35 pounds and a $6.00 tag is used for large items such as mattresses and sofas. Stores are invoiced for the bags at the time of delivery and have 30 days to pay. The system works well for the citizens because they can simply buy the bags at the local grocery store and use them like they had used other bags prior to the implementation of the program.
• The burden on the town is minimal because its only responsibilities are bag delivery, billing, and recordkeeping. Cash flow is positive for the town because the bags are paid for before use. There is no concern with unpaid and uncollectible charges that can occur with post-use billing.
• The recycling rate has increased over 50 percent and trash disposal volumes decreased by 35 percent. Combined, these two statistics resulted in a jump of recycling rates from 12 percent before the program to 21 percent currently. The average rate for local towns around Falmouth is 7 percent.
• The bid price for collection the first year was $116,000, compared to a bid of $146,000 for a traditional collection contract. The current contract is for $125,500 despite over 10 percent growth in the community. At $55 per ton, a reduction of 900 tons of waste disposal per year meant a savings of about $50,000. The current $98 per ton tip fee calculates to $88,000 per year savings. In addition, during the old franchise system, residents paid the collection cost directly to the hauler. Now residents pay for collection through their taxes, bringing the community over $30,000 per year.

Details:

• For more information on the Falmouth PAYT program, contact:

            Anthony (Tony) Hayes, Dir. Pub Wks
            Town Of Falmouth Public Works
            101 Woods Road
            Falmouth Maine 04105
            207-781-3919

Lessons Learned:

• According to Hayes, some towns have bought large quantities of bags and have been dissatisfied with size or quality. It may be prudent to buy a smaller quantity to start with so that changes can be made if desired. When you “force” citizens to buy your bag, it has to be of acceptable quality.
• Educate prior to implementation! The town conducted a citizen survey, developed a brochure, published a newsletter, and passed out two free bags to each household prior to implementing the program. They also conducted a logo contest in the schools that generated a great deal of interest and media attention. The local Lions Club donated money for the prizes.
• Contact other communities and learn. During Falmouth’s review, they read many articles published about other towns’ programs. This is useful, but following up with phone calls can be even more helpful. We got copies of several towns’ brochures that alerted us to some details that otherwise may have been overlooked.
• Involve the collection team. The contractor or municipal crew can help or hurt the program, so they need to be on board. Falmouth developed a small tag for collection workers to leave at the curb if there was a reason to not pick up trash (i.e., not in proper bag or too heavy).

Downloads:

Solid Waste Ordinance