PORTLAND, Maine — The Portland City Council voted 5-4 to increase the cost of trash bags by 35%
Portland voted Wednesday night to change the cost of a 15 gallon bag from $1 to $1.35 and a 30 gallon bag from $2 to $2.70.
City officials recommended the change to shift the cost of trash removal more on the people that use the program and away from the general tax base.
Some residents have mixed feelings. “At this point I think it’s a gimmick. If they’re going to monetize off it just set a rate and forget it,” Sam Rapaport, Portland resident, said.
Alice Kornhauser, Portland resident, agreed with the decision. “I trust the city council by-and-large so I’m happy to pay more but I’m also happy it will help people to put less in the trash.”
The bags will change from blue to purple starting July 1. But you’ll have 90 days to use up your current supply of bags.