WORCESTER COUNTY, Md. - Worcester County is getting ready to unveil a new economically and environmentally friendly way for residents to dispose of household trash.
It's called the Pay as You Throw (PAYT) program. County officials say it's a good way for communities to manage waste disposal costs, and for residents to control their own trash costs.
“The new PAYT treats trash disposal just like electricity, gas, water and other utilities,” Public Works Director John Tustin said. “Households pay a variable rate depending on the amount of solid waste disposed of. This creates a direct economic incentive to recycle more and dispose less waste because the less individuals throw away the less they pay.”
Beginning in January, homeowners can purchase $1 tags in sheets of five they can attach to 33-gallon garbage bags to be disposed of at the Central Landfill in Newark or the Homeowner Convenience Centers (HOCs), located in Berlin, Snow Hill and Pocomoke.
Oversized will be accepted if two tags are attached.
PAYT tags do not expire.
Yard Waste is not included in the PAYT program, and a standard Homeowners Permit will be required for disposal.
Residents who do not wish to participate in the PAYT program can still purchase up to two Homeowner Permits annually for use at the Central Landfill and HOCs for $100, with the option of purchasing additional permits for $100 each.
PAYT tags and Homeowner Permits can be purchased at any of the three following locations: Worcester County Treasurer's Offices, located in the Worcester County Government Center in Snow Hill and the Isle of Wight Office in Bishopville, and the Worcester County Landfill in Newark. Under both programs, homeowners must provide their own trash bags.
