The Brattleboro Select Board has established new prices for trash bags after abandoning a proposal to introduce a subsidized pricing model aimed at low-income households. The board’s decision was finalized during a special meeting, where they decided on the cost of Pay As You Throw (PAYT) yellow bags at $3.50 and purple bags at $4.75, a change from the previous rates.

Board member Peter Fish Case noted that this pricing strategy is intended to promote consistent usage of the bags while being fair to those who must purchase them. He indicated that the selected prices would likely need to increase over time in alignment with rising contract costs associated with waste disposal services. The board voted 4-1 to adopt these changes.

Amanda Ellis-Thurber, another member of the board, referred to the new pricing as thoughtful planning for the future and characterized it as equitable and reliable. The updated prices will be implemented beginning March 15 and are tied to a revised agreement with Casella Waste Systems.

Initially, there was a proposal to set a tiered pricing system that aimed to generate funds from each bag sold for a program to aid low-income residents. However, that idea was dismissed due to concerns over potential administrative costs. Ellis-Thurber mentioned that the implementation of a tiered system could impose significant burdens on town staff.

The previous motion sought to increase bag prices substantially, with yellow bags rising from $2 to $4.60 and purple bags from $3 to $6.90. Additionally, a portion of the revenues from bag sales was intended to support the subsidized program for those most impacted by the hikes in bag prices.

In the past, board chairwoman Elizabeth McLoughlin emphasized that the PAYT system’s original intent was to motivate residents to reduce waste and promote recycling. She pointed out that the pricing structure had never experienced an increase since its inception.

Concerns about the practicality of the subsidy program were expressed, particularly regarding the costs involved in its administration and sustainability over time. Eric Caron of Brattleboro raised the issue that the approach could not effectively achieve its objectives without imposing unnecessary financial burdens on the community.