Local residents pay as they throw

According to the US Environmental Protection Agency , the average American threw away more than 4.5 pounds of trash a day in 2007. Less than 25% was recycled.

“Pay as You Throw” trash programs are gaining popularity as a way for communities to save money and increase recycling rates.

Longmeadow residents are encouraged to recycle as much as possible. Their trash allowance , though, is capped at one barrel or one bag per week for curbside collection. Households that exceed their trash allowances must purchase special town bags at $1.75 apiece.

Now, households recycle almost a third of their trash. According to Arlene Miller from the town’s recycling commission, homes are throwing away 24% less garbage. The result has been a savings of $80,000 a year in trash disposal fees.

Tricia Parker participates in a similar service in Wilbraham.

"Believe me, I can get a lot in one bag! And I definitely recycle because of it,” she told 22News."The more it costs, the more you're going to recycle. Especially with the economy now."

Richard Haraty from the Longmeadow Department of Public Works explained that towns have had an easier time turning to “Pay as You Throw” programs in recent years.

"Markets have developed for recycling that either didn't exist or didn't exist to the degree that they do today where it's actually profitable," said Haraty.

According to the US EPA more than half of all Massachusetts communities (59.1%) participated in a “Pay as You Throw” trash program in 2006.