LEWISTON — The city will take the next nine months to explain a pay-as-you-throw curbside trash collection program to residents before deciding if it’s something Lewiston wants.

City Councilors approved a deal with Waste Zero on Tuesday, paying $30,000 for a 12 month education and promotion program.

“This is the program councilors asked for in May,” Public Works Director Dave Jones said. “They wanted a long enough period of time — a year was the guideline mentioned — to educate the public and get feedback on whether they like the program or they don’t want it. It’s to help the council make a decision.”

It would involve residents buying special trash bags at local stores. City crews would only collect curbside trash left in those bags.

City Administrator Ed Barrett said city recycling would continue to be free, and the paid bag program would let the city stop paying for curbside trash collection costs with property taxes.

“That would help us stabilize and reduce our tax rate,” he said. “We estimate about a $1.2 million reduction in the amount that would need to be raised in property taxes.”

That savings could be used to pay down the city’s tax rate, reducing it by about 66 cents for an entire year of the program, or about 44 cents if the program starts midyear. That would be a savings of between $66 and $99 in property taxes on a $150,000 home.

The bags would likely sell for about $2 for a 30-gallon bag and about $1.25 for a 15-gallon bag. All residents would be able to leave their trash out in the special bags.

It would also let residents control how much they pay for solid waste.

“I suspect senior citizens are the ones that put out small bag once a week, so right now their property taxes are subsidizing the heavy users of the system,” he said.

Councilors voted 5-2 to begin the program. Waste Zero founder and Chairman John Campbell called for a series of meetings and briefings about the proposed program, as well as a website.

The community would decide in about nine months. If they move forward, the company would help launch the program and then stay on to help provide customer service.

If residents ultimately approve the paid trash collection program, Waste Zero will forgive the $30,000.

Councilor Mike Lachance said he can’t support the idea.

“I’ve talked to quite a number about this, and I’ve not heard a single positive response,” Lachance said. “I think we need to hear what citizens have to say before we spend a penny.”

Councilor Don D’Auteuil said he’d rather have an informed decision.

“Part of this whole plan is to be able to educate people,” he said. “If they are not educated, how can we answer any questions?”

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