Quote:
Originally Posted by Chickie
Laconia is considering a 'Pay As You Throw" method of garbage collection and will be holding a public meeting about it on September 14th. I wonder whether other towns around the Lakes Region have gone this route and how it is working? One concern I have with the bags is that wild animals can easily tear them open and strew their contents hither and yon. I presently use a metal can with secure lid with bail, which prevents this from happening. Many residents need to put their garbage out the night before it is to be picked up and this is when animals are on the prowl.
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My town implemented this several years ago. Thirty gallon bags cost $1 each, and 15 gallon bags are $.50. You would still be able to use your metal can to deter animals, just put the town bag/s in the can. The trash guys will take the special town bags and only the town bags. From what we've been told, the amount of stuff going to the landfill has decreased substantially and the amount put out for recycling (single stream, no charge for pickup), has gone way up. I haven't noticed any problems with more household trash being thrown in the woods or by the side of the road since PAYT started. Larger stuff (tires, furniture, appliances) that have always cost money to dispose of still show up where they shouldn't but it doesn't seem to have increased.
And no, our taxes haven't gone down to compensate for the additional cost of the town trash bags. For my family of four, we use at most one 30 gallon bag per week, so our extra yearly cost is no more than $52. I will say this: I am now much more careful with what I put in the trash, and I make a conscious effort to recycle whatever I can.