In September 2023, the Town of Newtown joined other towns in piloting a program to reduce household waste and increase food scraps collection. This initiative addresses the waste crisis created in 2022 when Connecticut lost one-third of its in-state disposal capacity with the permanent closure of the Materials Innovation and Recovery Authority’s waste-to-energy plant in Hartford’s South End. The state generates 3.5 million tons of waste annually but can only manage 2.7 million tons. The excess waste is shipped out of state to other waste-to-energy plants or landfills, making Connecticut dependent on other states to accept our waste at a higher economic and environmental cost.
By reducing, reusing, recycling, and composting, we can significantly cut our waste and carbon footprint. The pilot program, though optional, encourages participation to help plan for the future. Since its inception, the transfer station has reduced waste by 108.5 tons and collected 55.5 tons of compostable organics. By separating food waste and paper alone, we could reduce our waste by more than 50%.
We are extending the pilot for another year with some changes to help us collect enhanced data. The overall goal is not only to reduce waste but also to eventually have customers pay only for what they dispose of, incentivizing less waste production.
- Recycling is free of charge at the transfer station for all Newtown residents.
- Only orange bags will be accepted at the transfer station for trash disposal.
- Each transfer station permit holder will receive 104 orange trash bags as part of the permit. Permit fees will remain the same as the previous year.
- Additional bags will be available for purchase at cost if you run out of free bags.
- Updates will be provided on the Town website as the process is refined and more information becomes available.
Starting in July 2025, the town’s pilot program will become a permanent program. The price structure will be determined based on the new data collected during this second pilot year.
For more information about the pilot program, visit HRRA SMM Pilot Program. For inquiries, email Info@HRRA.org or TS.Permits@Newtown-CT.gov.