(Host) The town of Westminster has overturned a controversial trash disposal payment system that voters adopted at town meeting in March.
So-called "pay-as-you-throw" arrangements charge residents based on the volume of trash they generate. The fees are levied through the sale of trash bags.
Supporters say pay-as-you-throw systems increase recycling and reduce the amount of trash going into landfills.
But at a special town meeting this week, the measure was overturned by a vote of 223-to-98.
Toby Young chairs the Westminster select board. She says the bags cost a dollar-fifty or 75 cents apiece.
(Young) "People just don’t want to pay the money. If you’re a big family and you’re not used to recycling, that requires a big change in behavior."
(Host) Young says the town will try to work next on making its recycling station more accessible and convenient.
Voters in Brattleboro have also petitioned to vote again on a pay-as-you-throw system that was approved this spring. Those petitions have been challenged and the issue is currently in Superior Court.