In November 2022, the City of Middletown’s Sanitation district implemented a new program called “Save as You Throw,” to reduce waste and control trash costs, asking their residents to separate food scraps from trash.
The program has residents separate their garbage at the curb in orange and green bags each week. The city picks up the trash and delivers the green bags to QuantumBio Power, an anaerobic digestion facility located in Southington, where food scraps and other organic material are converted into green energy. Thus, their customers get to enjoy a lower sanitation bill by having to pay only for the waste they generate. The orange bags are sent to a disposal facility, either in-state or out-of-state.
On Nov. 1st, 2023, the program proceeded to its next phase. The Sanitation District reduced its annual fees for residents and required residents to use city-issued trash bags.
In order to help pay the workers, residents of the district that comprise about 17 percent of the Middletown population must buy and use specific trash bags. Green bags are for any general use, while oranges are for food scraps. If residents don’t comply, a $30 fee is charged to their bill for noncompliance, helping the workers make a second trip back to the residents’ house after they adjust to the city-issued trash bags.
In January 2024, in order to ensure compliance, the city conducted spot checks in city trucks that have cameras to ensure customers are using the required bags. If residents use the correct bags, they will have the disposal cost removed from their sanitation bill, resulting in lower costs. If they do not, their trash will not be picked up and they will continue to pay a full-priced bill.
Surveys have shown many residents have varying opinions. Adjusting to this program has caused issues to its residents. Those dealing with unintended issues cost them an additional charge.
“No one in my family put a white garbage bag in there, but we got a notice. So again, if I didn’t cause the crime, I’m not going to pay the fine,” said Middletown resident Linda Luchonica, according to WTNH News.
There are some accommodations to this program. For low-income families, there is a form to fill out, asking for personal information and status for certain accommodations. There are also delivery options for senior residents and those with mobility challenges. Forms created by the City of Middletown can be found online, where residents can respond with personal information that could potentially indicate a need for special arrangements.
In addition, the “Save as You Throw” program has been named the most effective strategy to combat waste and reduce long-term costs, by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. This program is funded by the Department of Energy & Environmental Protection to reduce the effects of waste on many towns.