Marshfield offers curbside recycling collection on the same day as trash collection, and dropoff recycling at the Claypit Rd. transfer station Mon-Sat, 8:30-4.  For information visit http://www.marshfieldrecycles.org/ or call the Marshfield DPW at (781) 834-5560.

PAYT Is Really Working in Marshfield

Debbie Sullivan, Recycling Coordinator  October 2007

The chart below shows how successful the new trash fee structure, which started in July, has been in reducing 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. 

	July-Sept		July-Sept		Percent Change
Trash	2006		2007
Curbside Tons In	2639.6		1788.1		-32%
Tons out	3279.3		2080.8		-37%
Swap Shop Trash	31.7		15.7		-50%
Swap Shop Scrap	7.4		6.5		-11%
Beach Trash	20.6		28.3		37%
Recycling
Recycle Curb side Tons in	570.4		808.3		42%
Cardboard/Paper Tons	486.3		637.0		31%
Commingled plastic/glass/metal	189.1		268.3		42%

Illegal dumping has been a concern for all the residents.  The chart shows that there is an increase in 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.    Who thought it was okay to put trash in the barrel at the beach or in front of a neighbor’s 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 thru “Freerecycle.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. 

In the first 3 months of PAYT, Marshfield's recycling rate jumped from 20.1% to 29.8%! 

Help Marshfield reach its goal of recycling 35% of its trash, which will reduce your trash fee even more