Work Session - Save-As-You-Throw Mid-Year Review

The City of Greenbelt, Maryland, held a work session on October 19, 2026, for a mid-year review of its Save-As-You-Throw pilot. Staff and the program’s Zero Waste Zero representative reported that residential trash declined about 16% and overall trash about 12% in the first half of 2026. Approximately 28% of households chose the max-trash option and 72% used pay-as-you-throw bags. The discussion focused on the program’s finances and 2027 options: the city manager cited a $333,000 gap between revenues and expenses and an 80% fee/20% general-fund subsidy target. Proposals included raising the max-trash sticker fee to $85 and the base fee to $260, with timing discussed for January and July 2027. Council members requested alternative financial scenarios, including a flat-fee model, before considering changes; no vote or formal action was taken.

Council also discussed composting participation and possible city subsidies or introductory incentives, with scenarios ranging from roughly $2,100 to $16,000, but made no decision. Compost Crew currently provides compost collection; RFID technology and bracelets discussed for program administration were offered at no cost to the city. The agenda also listed a future DEI consulting-services RFP, but it was not substantively discussed. No contract award, bid approval, or procurement decision was made at this work session.