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Jamaica approves purchase of reusable trash tokens to reduce transfer‑station costs
Summary
The board approved buying reusable tokens to replace pay‑by‑bag purchases, authorizing an order of several thousand tokens at an estimated cost of about $2,008; pricing for residents will be set later and enforcement (card checks) discussed.
The Select Board voted to purchase the recommended initial stock of reusable trash tokens to replace single‑use bags at the transfer station. A presenter explained tokens will be three colors representing small/medium/large bag equivalents, with proposed initial volumes (for example, 3,000 small, 5,000 medium, 8,000 large) and an estimated total cost of about $2,008 for that run.
The presenter described manufacturing details: tokens are made from recycled plastics, embossed with the town name and size, and cost “about 5¢ a piece” to produce. The board discussed retail pricing ideas (suggestions around $3 and $5 by size), enforcement via transfer‑station card checks, and contractor bag rules (contractor bags will remain a separate higher‑priced category). Members noted the transfer station operates at a budget shortfall and that tokens aim to reduce recurring bag‑purchase expense but will not entirely eliminate the shortfall.
The board approved the purchase of the recommended token volume and asked staff to return with a formal pricing proposal and rollout plan for the next meeting. Residents were urged to provide feedback on pricing proposals before the board finalizes retail token prices.
