Over 6,000 communities nationwide have adopted PAYT , including almost 200 communities in Maine . With PAYT, residents and businesses pay for their waste based on how much they generate. Since recycling is free, PAYT reduces trash, increases recycling, and relieves the burden on property taxes. PAYT is strongly endorsed by the Maine State Planning Office and by the US EPA as a way to reduce municipal costs and at the same time increase recycling.
Traditionally, residents pay for waste collection through property taxes or a fixed fee, regardless of how much—or how little—trash they generate. PAYT breaks with tradition by treating trash services just like electricity, water, sewer, gas, and other utilities – you pay for what you use, or in the case of trash, the amount you produce. PAYT is simple and fair. The less you throw away, the less you pay.
Even if the Palesky tax cap proposal fails to pass, the ADD will continue its review of the PAYT system. If the prevailing opinion amongst member town's directors holds true, the ADD will likely be recommending such a system be implemented in the not so distant future.
Much more information about PAYT is available online at:
Maine State Planning Office and the EPA
