WESTBOROUGH – With less than two months before the town begins its Pay-as-You Throw (PAYT) program, residents now have a better idea on what it will cost.
During a meeting on May 14, the Select Board approved a fee schedule for the PAYT bags, as well as the permits (stickers) for the transfer station.
According to Town Manager Kristi Williams, the town will soon sign a contract with WasteZero for the PAYT bags. Once that’s done, WasteZero will contact local stores to have the bags available for purchase.
Select Board members discussed the issue of compliance at the transfer station once the program is implemented. They brought up how nonresidents have used resident stickers to access the transfer station, among other violations.
Williams said residents using the PAYT program to dispose of trash, not recycling, will need a permit; all permits will require a photo ID to prove residency and vehicle registration. The permits must be affixed to the vehicle on the driver’s side back bumper.
In addition, town staff and volunteers will monitor use of the transfer station to ensure compliance with permit and PAYT requirements.
About the Pay-as-You Throw program
Bags and permits will soon be available at the Board of Health office.
PAYT bags will cost $10 per roll, either the packet of ten 15-gallon bags, or five 33-gallon bags.
Resident Transfer Station Permits (stickers):
- $40 per vehicle per fiscal year (non-senior citizen)
- $25 per vehicle per fiscal year (senior citizen)
- $20 per vehicle for monthly permit (senior and non-senior)
- $15 per vehicle for daily permit (senior and non-senior)
- $10 per vehicle for replacement permit
- No price reduction for multiple permits in one household
- No charge for recycling only permits (senior and non-senior)
Enforcement at the transfer station
All permits will require a photo ID to prove residency and vehicle registration.
Permits must be affixed to the vehicle on the driver’s side back bumper.
Each permit will have a unique number that corresponds to the vehicle’s registration number.
Daily and monthly permits will be required to be displayed on the vehicle dashboard. Permit shall include the date of access and license plate number that must correspond to the vehicle.
Town staff and volunteers will monitor use of the transfer station to ensure compliance with permit and PAYT requirements.
The permit holder must agree to terms of use at the transfer station.
The new program is estimated to reduce the amount of waste the town sends to Wheelabrator by 25 to 50%.
PAYT would not apply to residents who live in an apartment building/multifamily residence; residents who have curbside disposal with a private company; and residents who use the transfer station for recycling only.
There will be two programs on “Pay as You Throw 101” on June 5 at 10 a.m. at the Senior Center; and June 18 at Memorial Hall.
For the latest, visit www.westboroughma.gov/1246/Pay-As-You-Throw-Information.
