Zero Waste Toolkit

We typically pay for trash collection services through property taxes or a fixed fee. But there's an alternative system proven to slash trash going to landfills and incinerators and that drives recycling forward. Pay-As-You-Throw (PAYT) programs treat trash collection services like any other household utility, and charge you based on the amount of trash you throw away. So, the less trash you produce, the less you pay – and the more you're incentivized to recycle!

Does your city or town have Pay-As-You-Throw? If not, find out why. Reach out to your city/town manager, city/town council, or town select board member and urge them to put a Pay-As-You-Throw program in place. Let them know that it’s important to you that your city or town adopt zero-waste programs such as this.

Call Local Officials to Enact Zero Waste Programs

Introduce Yourself 

Hi, my name is [YOUR NAME] and I'm a resident of [CITY/TOWN NAME]. 

Tell Your City or Town Manager Why You're Reaching Out

I am concerned about our trash crisis and want to see [CITY/TOWN NAME] take action. 

I'm calling on you to adopt zero-waste programs, such as Pay-As-You-Throw. 

The Pay-As-You-Throw program would help our community:

• reduce waste,
• increase recycling,
• and save money!

It's convenient, simplistic, and would benefit our community and the environment.

Looking for More Talking Points?

Check out WasteZero's reasons for Why City Leaders like PAYT Trash Metering Programs.

Thank Them for Listening 

Thank you for taking the time to listen. 

I look forward to seeing [CITY/TOWN NAME] tackle our trash problem. 

And I hope to see zero-waste programs like Pay-As-You-Throw carried out in our community.