PAYT Is Really Working in Marshfield

By Debbie Sullivan, Marshfield Recycling Coordinator

October 2007

The chart below shows how successful the new trash fee structure, which started in July, has been in reducing Marshfield residents’ trash costs.  After 3 months, the tonnage reports prove that we can recycle more and reduce the volume of our trash simply by doing a better job of separating the valuable materials from our waste. The results really have paid off in lower costs for our ratepayers who take the time to sort. 

Whether our residents are changing their habits to lower their costs or to keep our planet habitable, this is a good trend.

On the table below, A negative change in trash is an improvement.  A positive change in recycling is an improvement.  

Illegal dumping has been a concern for all the residents.  The chart shows that there is an increase in the beach trash.  Citations have been issued for illegal dumping at the curbside, Transfer Station, and out of town residents dumping their trash in the bridle paths.    Residents who thought it was okay to put their trash in the barrel at the beach or in front of a neighbors house  have received citations for illegal dumping. 

When PAYT is implemented in most communities, the solid waste tonnage goes down more than the recycling numbers go up. Possible explanations include: 

• More composting
• Different buying habits
• No longer bringing trash home from the weekend if there’s a place to “dump” it
• Taking trash to work with them if they own or manage their own business and have a private dumpster.
• Giving more items away to charities and through “Freecycle.org”
• Some may use commercial or municipal dumpsters for their excess, but are at risk of being cited for illegal dumping

The first phase of the program has been such a success and I would like to thank all the residents for all their questions and concerns and most of all for their patience with the new program.