How much does it cost to remove trash?

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) - It's your money and we're watching it.

22News reporter Jaclyn Cashman looks at how much it costs the city of Springfield to dispose of trash each year.

Springfield Residents are still complaining about the trash fee, despite the fact that it has been reduced this year from 90 dollars to 80 dollars.

But, have you ever considered just how much it costs to get rid of trash each year? The answer is $ 8 million. The biggest expense is trash collection.

Al Chwalek, Director of the Department of Public Works, said, "We collect about 45,000 tons a year of trash from residents. The biggest portion of that budget is 3.8 million dollars that is just paid to deliver the trash over at Bondies Island."

How can the city reduce this high cost? Recycle! Springfield has to pay about 78 dollars a ton to get rid of trash, but it only costs the city 30 dollars to dispose of recycled items. That's more than a 40 dollar savings. Now it's easier than ever to recycle in Springfield.

Al Chwalek said, "We are right in the middle of a brand new recycling system called single stream, which means you don't have to separate your bottles, cans, paper or cardboard."

This single stream program will save the city about $250,000 in the first year. This helped them reduce the trash fee.

The new barrels are free. DPW is in the process of distributing them right now. If you have any questions call 311.