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<br /> Comprehensive Review of <br /> S olid W aste Collection and Disposal Options <br /> <br />v2.1 123 10/22/12 <br />waste services can lead to impacts or even temporary termination of these other <br />services, a strong payment incentive. Bad debt is quite low under these systems. <br /> Involve others in design. Assembling a citizen or stakeholder committee to help <br />assess and design the program can help sell the program to elected officials, and can <br />make sure that the program addresses concerns of major stakeholders. Although this <br />process may appear to slow down the decision-making, it can often speed it in later <br />steps and can bring support for the program when it is most needed. Related Town <br />departments, including financial, billing, enforcement, customer service, police, and <br />others that may be affected by PAYT changes should be included in discussions. <br /> Don’t pile on other costs. The Institute cautions against implementing PAYT along <br />with other major program changes (e.g., major renovation to transfer stations or other <br />upgrades that are not invisible to residents). The increased costs, whether or not they <br />are due to PAYT, will most likely be blamed on PAYT and will potentially <br />undermine the buy-in for the program. <br /> Determine whether to make changes at once or more slowly and design education <br />accordingly. Some communities argue that implementing many changes at one time <br />confuses citizens and makes the education process difficult. Others argue that <br />customers don’t want to have to make decisions about solid waste in a piecemeal <br />manner, and want to “deal with it once.” <br /> Education and outreach. None of the communities interviewed during SERA’s <br />research wished they had done less education. Education and community outreach is <br />a crucial component of a successful PAYT program. <br /> Keep constant for one year. If at all possible, keep the system and rates constant for <br />at least one year to help build confidence in the program. After evaluation of this <br />initial year of service, the rates and program can be refined to account for unexpected <br />outcomes. <br /> Tracking/Revising. It is important to track key indicators related to the program and <br />its performance to assure that the PAYT program is achieving its objectives and that <br />the program is sustainable. Key metrics and indicators to track include: <br />- Container subscriptions, or sales of bags and/or tags <br />- Program enforcement issues <br />- Program revenues and costs <br />- Time spent by various program staff <br />- Waste tonnage changes by programs, etc. <br /> <br />The Town may use this valuable information to gauge program progress, <br />cost-effectiveness, and to provide advance notice for needed programmatic changes. <br /> <br /> Keep key groups informed. Provide regular feedback to program staff, elected <br />officials, and others to keep them informed about program momentum and successes,