Woodbury, Connecticut, implements waste reduction program at transfer station

The Woodbury, Connecticut, Board of Selectmen has voted to implement a permanent waste reduction program at the city’s transfer station, which includes separation of food scraps and unit-based pricing. This decision comes after a yearlong pilot program funded by the Connecticut Department of Energy & Environmental Protection (CT DEEP) dedicated to separating food waste.

The initiative aims to cut waste by 50 percent, mitigate rising disposal fees and alleviate the waste capacity crisis in Connecticut, the Naugatuck Valley Council of Governments (NVCOG) says.

Starting July 1, transfer station users must purchase designated waste bags with distinct colors for nonfood waste and food waste. Only these bags will be accepted, although residents can dispose of food waste without a bag. A complete list of retailers and more details on the program can be found here.

The transfer station permit fee is currently $25 and will be reduced to $0.

The board of selectmen has established bag sizes and prices based on recommendations from Woodbury’s ad-hoc Waste Advisory Committee, composed of Woodbury citizens. For nonfood waste, 8-gallon bags will cost 75 cents, 13-gallon bags will cost $1, and 33-gallon bags will cost $1.65. Food waste bags will include 4-gallon bags at 15 cents and 8-gallon bags at 25 cents.

NVCOG says these prices are designed to cover bag manufacturing, hauling and waste disposal costs, with no additional revenue for the town.

According to estimates from the waste advisory committee, the average household using one 33-gallon nonfood waste bag and one 8-gallon food scrap bag per week will spend approximately $99 annually. Previously, the annual cost of contracting with a private hauler in Woodbury was $480.

“I am proud that Woodbury has been recognized as a forerunner in this area in reducing our trash,” First Selectwoman Barbara Perkinson says. “The ad-hoc committee is to be commended for all their hard work in the development of this plan, which not only benefits the residents but also our environment.” 

Over the last year, Woodbury residents have participated in a pilot program where they have used designated bags to separate food waste. Throughout the pilot, contractor Waste Zero and NVCOG engaged the community through tabling at the transfer station, hosting listening sessions, presenting to stakeholder groups and sharing information on social media. NVCOG says building support among stakeholders was critical to passing the program.

The ad-hoc waste advisory committee recommended the permanent plan after eight meetings where members addressed pilot concepts, financial modeling and potential paths forward. Community suggestions, including offering five bag sizes, an equity program to ensure disadvantaged households have access to bags and a switch to a rearview mirror hanging tag for the transfer station permit were all incorporated. The recommendation was delivered to the board of selectmen Jan. 25, and the vote took place Jan. 29. The Committee’s recommendation, with slight tweaks for clarity, passed unanimously, NVCOG says.

The new program focuses on food scrap diversion and unit-based pricing. By separating organic waste into its own container, the waste can be sent to an anaerobic digestor. Unit-based pricing involves shifting the cost of waste from a flat fee in taxes into a per-bag charge. NVCOG says connecting the amount of waste produced per household with a fee increases recycling rates and an overall reduction in waste at the point of generation.

“Thanks to a yearlong pilot and direct engagement with participants to figure out what works in the community, Woodbury residents have the opportunity to reduce trash, better manage household costs and can divert valuable food scraps right at the transfer station,” CT DEEP Commissioner Katie Dykes says. “I applaud the town for its leadership and for providing an example that other municipalities can look to when considering sustainable waste management options.”