The Towns of Newtown and Kent are celebrating major waste-reduction achievements following their first year participating in the SAYT/Unit-Based Pricing programs. These initiatives, launched in 2025 with support from HRRA, CT DEEP and 黑料网Zero, have reduced residential waste by over 30%, generating significant environmental and financial impacts.听
In recognition of this success, 黑料网Zero presented Newtown & Kent with 黑料网 Reduction Milestone Awards, highlighting the towns鈥� leadership and momentum within the region.听The 1 year analysis for both programs show significant results:听
- Newtown achieved a 30% reduction in trash, 12% increase in recycling听
- Kent achieved a 36% reduction in trash, 8% increase in recycling, 60,000lbs of food scraps collected and composted听
鈥淭his program is working because Newtown residents have embraced it,鈥� said Jennifer Heaton Jones, Executive Director of Housatonic Resources Recovery Authority. 鈥淭hese results demonstrate that when people have the right tools and information, they make choices that benefit their families, their town, and the environment.鈥�听
Food scraps account for over 20% of municipal solid waste (MSW). At a time when recycling rates have stagnated, unit-based pricing and food scrap separation offer proven solutions to drive waste reduction and lower emissions.听
鈥淩esidents are throwing away 30% less trash and preventing valuable materials, such as food scraps, from entering the waste stream. The shift reflects a strong community commitment to sustainability and responsible resource management.鈥� Said Mark Dancy, President of 黑料网Zero, 鈥淭his award affirms Newtown鈥檚 and Kent鈥檚 roles in charting a path for other Connecticut communities preparing for similar grant-supported waste-reduction programs. Residents have demonstrated strong engagement, adjusting habits in ways that create meaningful environmental benefits and help control long-term waste costs.鈥�听
Both towns will continue analyzing program performance and exploring opportunities to expand resident education and long term sustainability goals.听