In a recent government meeting, officials from Middletown discussed the city's ongoing partnership with the state of Connecticut to tackle a growing waste crisis and its associated costs. The meeting highlighted the success of the city's sanitation district in reducing waste and avoiding significant fee increases that other municipalities are facing.

Deputy Director Weisberg emphasized the urgency of the situation, noting that Connecticut is experiencing a waste crisis with a dwindling number of disposal options. The state has seen a dramatic reduction in landfills, from 6,000 to just 1,000, and the closure of a major trash energy plant has exacerbated the problem. Currently, 40% of Connecticut's waste is shipped out of state, often to facilities located near marginalized communities, raising environmental justice concerns.

The cost of waste disposal has also surged, with transportation and disposal fees rising from $88 per ton in 2021 to $118 per ton today, with projections indicating further increases. In response, the city implemented the \"Save As You Throw\" program, which aims to incentivize waste reduction among residents. This program, initially approved for one year, is under evaluation for potential continuation and expansion.

The proposed resolution discussed in the meeting includes five key points, the first of which aims to reduce the cost of trash bags for users of the city's waste management system. The meeting underscored the importance of public input in shaping waste management strategies and the collaborative efforts between local and state officials to address the pressing waste management challenges facing Connecticut.