Correction: In a previous version of this story, the city was listed as Portland, OR.
Dive Brief:
- Portland, ME is replacing its current blue-colored pay-as-you-throw garbage bags with costlier purple bags. The new bag rate will be $1.35 per 15-gallon bag (as compared to $1 before), and $2.70 per 30-gallon bag (as compared to $2 before).
- The increased trash bag fee is part of the City Council's approval of the FY16 $225 million municipal budget. The increase in revenue of bag sales, which is a non-tax source, will help offset the budget's impact to property rate tax.
- Portland City Council approved a 90-day period during which residents may still use the old blue bags, or exchange them for purple bags at the cost of the price difference. After Oct. 4, residents must buy purple bags at full price.
Dive Insight:
Across the waste industry, officials are trying to keep their heads above water through economic challenges. The new trash bag fee — which marks the first fee increase in five years — shows the effort that Portland is making to increase revenue and stay competitive with local jurisdictions.
The city of Portland will continue to modernize their waste disposal system, and will discuss any potential changes at Transportation, Sustainability and Energy Committee meetings in the next few months.
