The City Council approved a new amnesty policy for blue trash bags at its meeting last night. Citizens can continue to use them until they no longer have any. Previously, the blue trash bags were only to be accepted through October 4th.
The purple pay-as-you-throw trash bags have been in circulation since July 5th. The new trash bag rate for the purple bags is $1.35 per 15 gallon bag or $2.70 per 30 gallon bag.
The City Council approved the increase in the trash bag fee as part of its approval of the fical year’s $225 million municipal budget on June 25th. The Council approved increases in revenues from non-tax sources to help offset the costs of the solid waste collection program, and any impact to the property tax rate.
The Portland trash bag fee had not increased in five years and according to the City was lower than some surrounding communities.
For more information, please visit: www.portlandmaine.gov/purplebags.
