The Recyclinator is not shy. She is more than willing to stick her neck out and state her strong support for an issue. That issue is pay-as-you-throw, or “PAYT.”
The surest and quickest path to an increased recycling rate for Concord is PAYT. This is not a new concept. There are 46 other communities in New Hampshire that already do this. Since implementing this program, these communities have reduced their waste by an average of 25 to 35 percent by increasing their recycling. Why? Put simply, when people must pay by the bag to dispose of their trash, they throw out less and recycle more. People who might not otherwise recycle will be more inclined to do so when it visibly impacts their finances. If on trash day, you're setting out two or three times more bags than your neighbors, it's clear who's paying more for collection.
It is also a fair plan. You pay only for the amount of trash you generate. You are positively rewarded for recycling. The more you recycle, the less trash you toss, and the fewer bags you need to buy for that trash.
Most likely, PAYT will be recommended to the city council by the Solid Waste Advisory Committee. This committee was formed by the mayor last year to grapple with rising costs in trash collection. If no changes are made, tax payers will see a 3 percent increase in that part of their tax bill. PAYT emerged as the best option of the many alternatives considered.
Obviously, there is a compelling fiscal reason to increase recycling. But consider this: recycling is good for Concord. It is free to homeowners. It results in less land used for landfills. New Hampshire is a beautiful state, and land is a precious commodity. The more land we can prevent from becoming on eyesore, the better for everyone.
The Recyclinator welcomes your thoughts on this issue.
