About the Learning Series
This series was developed by the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) to help Massachusetts communities understand how PAYT works, explore program options, and learn about the steps involved in developing, implementing, communicating, and maintaining a PAYT program.
What you'll learn
- How PAYT works and the role it can play in municipal waste reduction
- How to build support and move a community from exploration toward a decision
- How to develop an actionable PAYT implementation plan
- How different PAYT models, collection methods, and program structures work
- How to approach PAYT pricing, funding, and long-term financial sustainability
- How to communicate with residents before, during, and after implementation
- How to maintain, evaluate, and update a PAYT program over time
Watch the full series below, or choose individual sessions based on the topics most relevant to your community.
Watch the PAYT Learning Series
▷ 7 Sessions
◴ 4 hours
Select a session below to watch the video and download the presentation slides.
| Session Title | Session Description | Link to Video | Link to Slides |
|---|---|---|---|
| Session 1: Exploring, Learning, and Advancing Pay-As-You-Throw Together | An introduction to PAYT, the Massachusetts waste disposal context, the elements of successful programs, stakeholder perspectives, and the purpose of the learning series. | Watch Session 1 on YouTube | Download Session 1 slides (PDF) |
| Session 2: The Process of Getting to YES | Learn how communities can build a committee, align stakeholders, address common obstacles, and move from exploring PAYT toward a recommendation and decision. | Watch Session 2 on YouTube | Download Session 2 slides (PDF) |
| Session 3: Putting It All Together: Your Implementation Plan | Learn why an implementation plan matters, what it should include, and how to develop an actionable roadmap that can support grant funding and program implementation. | Watch Session 3 on YouTube | Download Session 3 slides (PDF) |
| Session 4: PAYT Models | Explore curbside and drop-off approaches, bags, tags, stickers, variable cart sizes, unit sizes, collection methods, and other choices that shape a PAYT program. | Watch Session 4 on YouTube | Download Session 4 slides (PDF) |
| Session 5: Making PAYT Pay Off: Financials of PAYT | Explore PAYT funding and pricing design, program calculations, enterprise funds, transparency, and approaches to long-term financial sustainability. | Watch Session 5 on YouTube | Download Session 5 slides (PDF) |
| Session 6: Education and Outreach | Learn how to communicate transparently and effectively with residents before adoption, during implementation, and after a PAYT program is in place. | Watch Session 6 on YouTube | Download Session 6 slides (PDF) |
| Session 7: Maintaining and Updating a Pay-As-You-Throw System | Learn how to keep a PAYT program healthy over time through regular review of pricing, enforcement, contracts, communication, and other program elements. | Watch Session 7 on YouTube | Download Session 7 slides (PDF) |
Considering PAYT for your community?
Visit the main Pay-As-You-Throw (PAYT) page to learn more about PAYT in Massachusetts, including program information, data, case studies, technical assistance, and other resources.