A pay-as-you-throw (PAYT) refuse program has gotten off to a good start in Woolwich based on information compiled by WasteZero, the program’s not-for-profit administrator in North Andover, Massachusetts.

The program that began on Sept. 1 has saved the town approximately $3,200 in disposal costs for non-recyclable trash in its first month, according to Joshua Kolling-Perin, WasteZero director, public engagement.

The dollar savings is based on an estimated 46 percent reduction of the town’s solid waste tonnage. Kolling-Perin noted that Woolwich disposed of 81.03 tons of non-recyclable trash during September 2014, compared to 43.71 tons this September.

PAYT has also more than doubled Woolwich’s recycling rate, from 17 percent in September 2014, to 39 percent this September, according to WasteZero’s information.

The disposal and recycling figures were compiled for WasteZero by the town office.

In an email to the newspaper Monday afternoon, Kolling-Perin stated he was hesitant to predict how much Woolwich would save in waste disposal costs over the course of a year. Month-to-month tonnage amounts vary, he explained.

“It's reasonable to assume that Woolwich is on track to meet or exceed their disposal savings target in the first year,” he said. Those saving estimates have ranged from $28,000 to $39,000.

Selectman Allison Hepler said PAYT’s first month’s figures were very encouraging.

“I'm pleased with the results, and congratulate the residents of Woolwich for making it happen,” she said. “This shows that it's possible to get control of our landfill usage.”

Hepler hopes people see this as a reason to keep PAYT and vote against a repeal effort next month.

“Even opponents of PAYT should be encouraged by these numbers and vote to keep it at least until next May's annual Town Meeting,” she added.

Fred J. Kahrl, chairman of the Woolwich’s Solid Waste and Recycling Committee, said the numbers from PAYT’s first month were “very gratifying,” but added it would be premature to speculate on what PAYT will save the town over the course of a year.

“The committee believes that the taxpayers deserve to see several months of performance before the next town meeting, a logical milepost for evaluating PAYT progress," he said.

“We believe that the $30,000 the select board withdrew from the current town budget in anticipation of PAYT savings contributed to the reduction in the mill rate for this tax year, and we are pleased that these first month PAYT numbers are a good start at justifying the tentative faith the board has shown in the system,” added Kahrl.

Kahrl said he hopes PAYT’s October numbers will show additional savings for the town and be available before voters head to the polls next month. “I am satisfied that any objective taxpayer will see that the town is being well served by WasteZero,” he added.

A referendum to consider Woolwich’s membership in WasteZero and PAYT will on the ballot of the Nov. 3 General Election. A public hearing for discussion of the referendum is scheduled for 5:30 p.m., Monday, Oct. 19 at the town office.

Orange PAYT bags for non-recyclable trash are available at six retail outlets in and around Woolwich, as well as at the town office. The bags are sold in two sizes: 15-gallon bags sold in rolls of 10 for $10; and 30-gallon bags, sold in rolls of five for $10. There is no charge for recycled items. To learn more about PAYT in Woolwich, visit http://wastezero.com/woolwich