The town of Fraser opened the new pay-as-you-throw (PAYT) trash and recycling facility last summer and visitation has grown steadily every month, since the opening. “The Drop” is the product of a county-wide waste diversion study conducted in 2016 for the town by LBA Associates Inc. The study identified a need and an opportunity for the facility, and, funds from the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) helped make it happen.

Since The Drop’s July 7th opening, over 25 tons of recycling has been received, and, over 1,400 PAYT trash bags have been sold, generating about $12,000 in revenue. About $500 in donations have also been made to support the facility. Revenues from PAYT trash bag sales and donations are currently covering about half of the cost to service and operate the facility.

The Drop compliments the Town’s initiatives to sustainability and lowering greenhouse gases (GHGs). When products are made, distributed, and disposed of, harmful GHGs are released into the atmosphere. PAYT programs naturally encourage users to dispose of waste less and recycle more, which can help reduce GHGs significantly.

The Fraser PAYT program is intended to reduce the amount of trash going to the landfill by providing free recycling. PAYT trash bags and single-stream recycling can be disposed of at The Drop and, active recyclers can realize hefty savings over the cost of traditional trash service. The PAYT trash bags are yellow 40-gallon bags sold for $8.50 each. The bags feature a Town of Fraser logo and a map conveniently printed right on the bag. Single stream recycling is available at no charge.

Bags can be bought in packages of 5 or individually at Safeway, Murdoch’s Ranch and Supply, Fraser Ace Hardware, Fraser/Winter Park Chamber of Commerce, Fraser Town Hall, Winter Park Town Hall and at The Drop (when open).

Because The Drop is entirely funded by PAYT bags, customers not purchasing PAYT bags are encouraged to donate when dropping off recycling.

The Drop is located at 440 GCR 72 in Fraser, about a quarter mile south of Murdoch’s and is open Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays from 10 am – 5 pm. For more information, call Fraser Town Hall at (970) 726-5491 or visit frasercolorado.com.