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1. What is Needham’s Pay-Per-Throw program?

Pay-Per-Throw is a program whereby residents using the Recycling and Transfer Station (RTS) pay for the disposal of their trash based on the amount of trash discarded. All solid waste, except for recyclables, yard waste and bulky waste (i.e., material that cannot fit into a trash bag), must be disposed of at the RTS in specially marked "Town of Needham" bags sold by local retailers on behalf of the Town. The program began on June 2, 1998.

2. Do recyclables or yard waste go in the Pay-Per-Throw bags?

No. Recyclable items and yard waste do not require a Pay-Per-Throw bag and should continue to be disposed of at the appropriate location at the RTS. Recycling containers are available at the Department of Public Works, 470 Dedham Ave. for a $5.00 fee. You are not required to use these containers to bring your recyclables to the RTS.

3. Do retailers make a profit on the sale of the Pay-Per-Throw bags?

No. The bags are sold as a community service. Further, there is no sales tax on the bags.

4. How much do Pay-As-You-Throw (PAYT) bags cost?

The 30-gallon PAYT bag is $21.60 for a package of 10 bags. The 15-gallon PAYT bag is $11.60 for a package of 10 bags. 

5. What determines the price of the bags?

The price of the bag is designed to cover the cost of trash disposal, transportation over-the-road to the Millbury incinerator and small percentage covers fees for the PAYT bag program.

6. Can I reuse Pay-Per-Throw bags?

No. The bag is basically a "proof of purchase" for the disposal of trash in accordance with the rules of the program. It has to be thrown away with the trash. Some people have asked if this is wasteful.  The total number of bags used per year is expected to constitute less that 1/2 of one percent of Needham’s solid waste tonnage.

7. How do I dispose of items which will not fit into the Pay-Per –Throw bags?

Small bulky items (e.g., small broken chair, broom, etc.) and large bulky items (e.g., couch, mattress, rug, entertainment center, etc.) can be disposed of at the Transfer Station. There will be a charge for small ($5/item) medium ($10/item) and large ($15/item) bulky items.  A small item would be between 20lbs and 50lbs.  A medium bulky item would be trash of 50-100 lbs.  A large bulky item is over 100 lbs.  If the load is greater than 150 lbs. you should go over the scale and pay the scale rates; $220/ton with a minimum charge of $30.   

8. How do I pay for the disposal of a bulky item?

See the attendant at the office trailer, give the attendant your sticker number and you can pay with a credit card, check or Apple Pay.

9. How do I dispose of large volumes of bulky waste such as basement or garage clean-outs?

Large volumes of bulky waste can be transported in your car, van or pick-up truck to the RTS. There will be an additional charge for this large volume. See the attendant in the Transfer Station building who will direct you to the scale where the material will be weighed. You will be issued an invoice based on the weight of the material. The current charge is $220 per ton.

10. Will I still need to obtain an RTS sticker for my car?

Yes.  The sticker is used to identify Needham residents and allows you to access the RTS facility.  The RTS sticker number is also used for any transaction or payments for bulky trash  items or specialty disposal items, i.e. tires, TV's, air conditioners, etc.  

11. Who should I call if I have additional questions?

Additional questions can be answered by the Department of Public Works, Solid Waste & Recycling Division (781) 455-7568.  Or submit an email inquiry to:  https://www.needhamma.gov/forms.aspx?FID=285