WESTFORD CENTER — The town has been awarded a $255,000 state grant to support the pay-as-you-throw trash program and help fund its implementation.
The funding will cover startup costs for the PAYT program as the town shifts toward what officials are calling a more sustainable and cost-effective solid waste system, including the purchase and distribution of new waste carts.
Officials said the PAYT system is designed to encourage waste reduction, increase recycling, reduce reliance on the property tax levy and align disposal costs more closely with individual usage.
The Select Board approved the PAYT program in November 2025. The initiative also received strong support at Annual Town Meeting.
A citizen petition seeking to rescind the Select Board’s decision to implement PAYT failed, with 153 voters opposing the measure and 77 in favor.
The results reflect consistent community support for the program and its implementation, the town said in a news release.
Under the current timeline, waste carts are expected to be delivered in mid- to late June, with collection under the new system beginning the week of July 6.
Additional details, including information on cart delivery, overflow bag purchases and program logistics, are expected to be released throughout the rest of April and May.
The grant is part of MassDEP’s Sustainable Materials Recovery Program, which provides funding and support to municipalities to improve recycling, composting and waste reduction efforts.
MassDEP offers several grant categories through the program, including funding for recycling equipment, food waste collection carts, PAYT funds, recycling dividends, regional initiatives and waste reduction infrastructure.
More information about the PAYT program is available on the town’s website.
