Sanford is taking a new approach to trash disposal after a pay-as-you-throw program was overturned by residents a few years ago.

This time around, the soon-to-be city is again partnering with WasteZero, but the program will allow residents a variety of choices: A chance to be cost-neutral when throwing out solid waste; a chance to make money; or the possibility of losing some of the money they spend on trash bags.

Under the “More In Return” program, residents would have to purchase special trash bags and use those for their waste disposal. Curbside trash and recycling pick-up would continue, but if recycling increases, residents will either make back their bag money or be paid more than they outlayed for the bags.

The catch is that the amount of money residents pay and receive back is based on the “average” number of bags disposed of by residents. So if those who already recycle continue to do so, and those who don’t, well, don’t, everyone will have the same outcome.

If the new program is a catalyst for change, Sanford and its residents could benefit greatly, which is the ideal outcome, but that may not be likely.

It seems as though people don’t recycle without financial incentive. So unless the “average” number of trash bags used is that of Sanford’s PAYT era, not much is likely to change.

But if Sanford residents are inclined to earn their trash bag money back and more, this program could be a real success.

In PAYT times, Sanford’s recycling rate jumped to about 37.5 percent, but since then it has dropped back to 23 percent, as of October of this year. It would be great if Sanford could again reach this number ”“ or perhaps surpass it.

According to WasteZero materials, about 54 percent of municipal solid waste can be recycled. That means Sanford has a long way to go to get as much of its recyclable materials in the proper place.

Trash and taxes are likely to be major issues long into the future, and we’re pleased to see Sanford working toward a solution for both. This system could work well if all residents pitch in and do their part ”“ which they should regardless of the financial impact. The monetary gain should only stand to help Sanford get its recycling rate back on an upward climb.

As the proposal moves forward, we hope officials will push for education and find further ways to incentivize recycling so that Sanford has less waste, lower tipping fees, higher recycling rates and satisfied taxpayers.

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Today’s editorial was written by City Editor Robyn Burnham on behalf of the Journal Tribune Editorial Board. Questions? Comments? Contact Managing Editor Kristen Schulze Muszynski by calling 282-1535, Ext. 322, or via email at kristenm@journaltribune.com.