The Journal Tribune commends Sanford residents for complying with the new pay-as-you-throw trash disposal system in town.

Despite heavy opposition, Sanford Town Manager Mark Green said for first week of the new pay-as-you-throw system there was a 96.7 percent rate of compliance.

Residents began using special purple trash bags July 12 for curbside trash removal or garbage they take to the transfer station. The bags cost $1.25 for a 15-gallon bag or $2 for a 33-gallon bag.

Sanford Councilors voted to institute the program during a budget season when a $1 million shortfall was projected. The program is expected to fill that gap and also reduce the amount of trash the town sends to Maine Energy Recovery Company in Biddeford for incineration. In so doing, the town will also reduce the amount it must pay to MERC in tipping fees.

Despite the citizen-initiated petition to overturn the council’s action to institute the new system coming in a referendum Nov. 2, it is nice to see residents supporting the program and the town by complying with the new rules.

In addition to increasing revenues, towns that switch to pay-as-you-throw programs typically see increases in recycling, according to the State Planning Office.

Planner Lana Laplant said in Brunswick, for example, the city saw a spike in recycling after a pay-as-you-throw system was implemented. In 2006, the city had a recycling rate of 56 percent, and after the program started in 2007, the rate increased to 69 percent for the year. Laplant said state studies show if recycling rates do not increase within four years of implementing a pay-as-you-throw program, municipalities will typically not see an increase after that period of time.

If the first week’s recycling figures can be taken as a signal of what is to come, Sanford’s recycling rate has already risen dramatically, up from 14 percent this spring to 42 percent, according to Town Manager Mark Green.

Deputy Public Works Director Eugene Alley noted that at several homes there were no trash bags out for curbside pickup ”“ only recycling bins in the first week. He said recyclable materials are now being picked up weekly as opposed to every other week.

In addition to increasing revenues if recycling rates continue to hold, the town may see more savings as its disposal fees increase. Tipping fees at Maine Energy Recovery Company now cost the town nearly $80 a ton and that cost is scheduled to increase by 20 percent starting Jan. 1.

Although some residents would like to overturn the decision to implement pay-as-you-throw, there will be a review of the system and a chance for change. The pay-as-you-throw ordinance does contain a “sunset” provision that calls for a review, which could mean modifications to the system or the end of it in 2011. The council also agreed this spring to introduce a policy to provide some relief for those who may find paying for the new bags a financial hardship.

Voters should keep in mind the rising cost to the town when they head to the polls on Nov. 2. If the new pay-as-you-throw system is overturned, town officials will be looking for other ways to raise revenues or cut costs. If it comes to cutting, services often suffer.

We encourage residents to continue complying with the new program and weigh all the costs come November.

— Questions? Comments? Contact Managing Editor Nick Cowenhoven by calling 282-1535, Ext. 327, or via e-mail at nickc@journaltribune.com.