Funding provided by the Sustainable Materials Management Grants Program administered by the CT DEEP
The Town of Newtown received a $203,000 dollar grant from CT DEEP to implement a pilot program for the transfer station.
The pilot program will introduce a unit based pricing trash collection program, also known as SAVE AS YOU THROW.
This pilot program will run for twelve months in partnership with the Housatonic Resources Recovery Authority (HRRA).
Transfer Station users are being asked to reduce their waste by an average of two bags a week.
What is this all about?
Why is Newtown Doing This?
How does the program work?
Residents will receive the 104 orange (15-gallon) tall kitchen bags for non-recyclable household trash.
When residents come to the transfer station, there will be a designated area to dispose of your orange trash bags.
Regular recycling of paper, plastic, metal and glass will continue as usual.
How much does it cost?
Town of Newtown Transfer Station Permit fees will remain the same:
- Year Pass – $100 in person
- Senior – $90 in person
- Second Car – $10
ALL residents who have purchased a transfer station permit will receive, for FREE, 104 orange trash bags for household trash.
Acceptable waste items
Regular household trash is acceptable in the orange SMM pilot program bags.
DO NOT place any of the following in your orange bag:
- Recyclable items (paper, plastic of metal)
- Food scraps (use compostable bags)
- Textiles
- Yard Waste
- Dirt, sod, concrete or rock
- Construction/Demolition debris
- Household hazardous waste
- Hot ashes or flammable materials such as oil, gas or paint
Click here to learn more about what is accepted and not accepted at the Town of Newtown’s Transfer Station.
Click here to learn more about the food scrap recycling program.
FAQs
Do I Have To Participate?
Change is hard.. but this challenge makes change fun!
Residents are encouraged to join the challenge and use the provided orange trash bags. If you are not already participating in the Town of Newtown Food Scrap Recycling program we ask each resident to give it a try separate out food scraps as best they can and place them in the compostable bags available from the Town of Newtown. With rising disposal costs, it is important to separate out food scraps and recyclables from disposal. Learn more about the food scrap recycling program here.
Do I still recycle?
YES! And we hope you will recycle MORE! There are no changes to the recycling program. Remember to keep your material loose and check the list of acceptable items, we also want you to recycle right
Questions about recycling? Learn more about recycling here.
Won't This Create More Work?
Not really. You are just replacing your current black/white kitchen bag with an orange bag.
How Do I Get My Free Bags?
More details coming soon.
Each Transfer Station permit holder will receive 104 Orange Trash Bags.
Is this actually going to work?
The program introduces the idea of moving the cost to dispose of trash for ONLY what YOU throw away.
The less trash you make, the more you SAVE.
With these tools, you can reduce your trash and save money. And turning our food waste into renewable energy makes more sense.
You may be trying this for the first time, but towns all over the U.S. (and the world!) have implemented similar trash reduction programs and have found success!
Newtown will succeed with your participation!
What If I Need Additional Bags?
Residents are encouraged to be sure to recycle all they can and separate their food scraps to stay with in the allotted orange trash bags. More details coming soon on the opportunity to get additional orange trash bags.
I Backyard Compost. Should I Participate In The Food Scraps Recycling Program?
Backyard composting is great and encouraged! You may decide you want to use the food scrap recycling program for certain items (eggshells, meat, bones, and dairy, prepared foods) or to use in the winter.
Learn more about the Town of Newtown Food Scrap Recycling Program HERE.
I Use An In-Sink Garbage Disposal. Should I Participate In The Food Scraps Recycling Program?
To reduce the risk of costly sewer backups, we strongly urge residents to switch from in-sink disposals and use the food scrap recycling program for food scraps. It will also save on your water usage and produce usable fertilizer.
I Am Interested In Reducing My Waste, What Else Can I Do?
Reduce your food waste. Keep your refrigerator clean and organized so you know what you have before you shop. Store leftovers in clear containers so you can see what’s in them. Use a shopping list. Use your freezer. Reduce other household waste by avoiding single use disposable items and choose products with minimal packaging.
Reuse: Use reusable shopping bags and coffee mugs. Repurpose glass jars at home. Donate household items and clothing. Consider cloth napkins.
Recycle: Remember the basics: Recycle your paper & cardboard and empty bottles & cans. Items should be clean and dry and placed loose in your collection bin. Learn more here.
Compost: Place all your food scraps in the compostable bags! Fruits & Veggies, Eggs & Eggshells, Meat & Seafood (include bones and shells), Coffee Grounds & Tea Bags, Dairy, Pasta, Grains & Bread, Cookies, Cake, & Candy. Please no plastic, no metal, no sanitary waste, no pet waste.