SELECT Americans are now facing a potential annual fees worth hundreds of dollars as part a new program.
Taking effect this month and required by local law, the initiative seeks to better regulate trash disposal in a select area.
A new trash program requires $300 annual fees for some Americans (stock image)[/caption]
Residents of Townsend, Massachusetts, about 32 miles north of Worcester, must sign up by the end of the day on September 1 to be part of Pay as You Throw (PAYT).
Townsend has an estimated population of around 9,329 in 2025, per Massachusetts Demographics by Cubit.
PAYT is the Curbside Trash and Recycling Program for the town, making throwing out waste efficient and responsible.
Those who live within the area in single-family, two-family, and three-family homes can get the trash service so long as they pay an annual fee.
For single-family residences it’s $125, two-family is $200, and three-family is $300 yearly.
Those who don’t qualify for PAYT are “businesses or condominium and apartment complexes with over four (4) residences,” according to the Townsend government website.
Still, the town emphasized that “recycling is mandatory for all residents, schools, and businesses” as per the Townsend Code 102.3.
GET THE STICKER
Eligible residents for PAYT must also get new yellow-colored trash and recycling stickers to be placed at their property.
They can be obtained through the Board of Health office with an address listed for pickup on the site.
It’s also possible to scan a QR code and pay ahead of time before going in-person to pick up the the stickers.
Town officials also reminded residents that 96-gallon toter rolling trash bins can not be left at the curb with the trash bags inside.
Loose plastic bags and Styrofoam are also not allowed in the purple recycling bags.
The purple bags can be purchased at six different supermarkets and pharmacies in town, including McNabb’s Pharmacy, both Hannaford’s Supermarket locations, the Townsend Package Store, Old Brick Store, and Walgreens Pharmacy.
For 33-gallon bags it’s $3.50 per bag in a five-pack, and 15-gallons come in a 10-pack at $2.25 per bag.
PAYT Fees in Townsend MA
- Single-family homes: $125
- Two-family homes: $200
- Three-family homes: $300
Residents can also find the complete Curbside Street Schedule with PAYT for their convenience on the Townsend website.
Those with additional questions are urged to contact the Board of Health office at 978-597-1700.
CASH INCOMING
Another September 1 law sees families benefit with checks up to $30,000.
The direct payment opportunity is part of several significant changes in Texas this month.
At least 800 new laws are taking effect on Labor Day in The Lone Star State, and one of them includes private school vouchers, as noted by the Fort Worth Star-Telegram.
Thanks to Senate Bill 2, select families can get education savings accounts that help pay for costs associated with private or homeschooling.
For qualifying families with children that are homeschooled, distributions worth up to $2,000 are possible.
At least $10,000 is set to be available for private school, and as much as $30,000 for those students attending private school with disabilities.
Except, the funds won’t be available until the 2026-2027 school year.
Families who get the money will be prioritized by income level and whether or not they have children with disabilities.
There’s also a Labor Day lottery “ban” law in effect as of September 1, forcing players to change how they play forever.
Earlier this summer, a law was also implemented that restricts a common item from food chains and stores, threatening $50 daily fines to those who don’t comply.
