PAYT Public Comment Meeting
Hey! YOU! This is how you effect change on the local level: You show up at a meeting and tell the-people-who-decide-things what you are thinking. Sometimes, they will actually listen. You’ll never know unless you try.
Date: Wednesday, January 27, 2010
Time: 7:00pm – 9:00pm
Location: WL City Hall 609 W. Navajo Street
Because of a looming flat-rate increase for trash pickup, the Voting Board of the Go Greener recommended an alternative to the city’s current billing system. It’s a Pay As You Throw (PAYT) type of billing. Compared to WL’s current flat-rate fee, PAYT systems are:
*more equitable (choose to pay for more service only if you need more)
*more economically sustainable (helps cover the cost of dumping garbage)
*more environmentally friendly (PAYT has been proven to increase composting, precycling and recycling rates in cities that implement it)
The WL City Council will vote on March 1, 2010 whether to change the current fee structure for trash pickup. Residents now pay $9 a month to pickup recycling, yard waste and unlimited amounts of garbage. In PAYT, residents pay more if they throw out more. The system has been found to increase recycling, composting and better buying habits because it encourages residents to give more thought to the amount of trash they are throwing away.
Here are the highlights of the proposed ordinance:
* Recycling, yard waste and one container of trash will be picked up curbside for one monthly fee.
* If you think you will typically use one “regular size” trash can or less (up to 48 gallons, you likely already have one or can buy it from a hardware store for $10)- you’ll pay $11 a month.
* If you want a bigger can you can buy one from the city for about $70. It holds 96 gallons. – you’ll pay $15 a month.
* Sometimes, you’ll have a big party or clean out your garage. If you need to throw out more you’ll need to buy some labels to attach to your extra trash bags. You can buy them at Kroger or Payless or elsewhere when you’re buying the extra snacks and beer for the party.
* If you need the city to help you with the garage clean out, you’ll buy many labels or a Bulk Rubbish Label for $10. That will get you up to 5 bags picked up or if it’s not baggable, up to 6 feet of rubbish hauled away.
* If you are low income household, you can apply to pay only $5.50 for your monthly fee.
Can you get behind this idea? Can you speak up for it?
Speak to the Go Greener Commission chair if you have questions. Contact Diane Damico: dianedamico@mac.com or 765- 418-1223
Read the entire ordinance here:
http://www.westlafayette.in.gov/egov/docs/1264079508_665893.pdf
Read about PAYT and its environmental, economic, and equitable benefits at http://www.epa.gov/epawaste/conserve/tools/payt/index.htm
I plan to attend Wednesday meeting with 2 other people.