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 WasteZero, have reduced residential waste by over 30%, generating significant environmental and financial impacts.
In recognition of this success, WasteZero presented Newtown & Kent with Waste Reduction Milestone Awards, highlighting the towns’ leadership and momentum within the region. The 1 year analysis for both programs show significant results:
- Newtown achieved a 30% reduction in trash, 12% increase in recycling
- Kent achieved a 36% reduction in trash, 8% increase in recycling, 60,000lbs of food scraps collected and composted
“This program is working because Newtown residents have embraced it,” said Jennifer Heaton Jones, Executive Director of Housatonic Resources Recovery Authority. “These results demonstrate that when people have the right tools and information, they make choices that benefit their families, their town, and the environment.”
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.
“Residents 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.” Said Mark Dancy, President of WasteZero, “This award affirms Newtown’s and Kent’s 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.”
Both towns will continue analyzing program performance and exploring opportunities to expand resident education and long term sustainability goals.