PORTSMOUTH — Although the town’s new pay-as-you-throw (PAYT) program won’t go into effect until Feb. 1, residents should be aware of some new rules that will be enforced at the transfer station starting Jan. 1.

Ray Antaya, the town’s recycling coordinator, shared some of the changes at the transfer station in an attempt to sort through some of the confusion. Here’s what you need to know:

Residents have until Jan. 31 to buy their new stickers at the tax collection window at Town Hall. Each sticker costs a base price of $140 ($10 for an additional household vehicle) and starting Feb. 1, all non-recyclable trash must go into orange PAYT bags.

The bags will be sold in three different sizes: $2 for a 33-gallon bag, $1.25 for a 15-gallon bag, and $1 for an eight-gallon bag.

PAYT bags will be sold at Clements’ Marketplace and other local stores without a markup. On Tuesday, a spokesperson at Clements said the store does not have the PAYT bags yet, but they should be available for sale by mid-January.

The list of other available retailers will be made public “as soon as possible,” Mr. Antaya said.

Beginning Feb. 1, only the orange PAYT bags can be put in the main trash bin at the transfer station. No special PAYT bags are required for recyclables, which will go in a separate bin inside the building. No plastic bags are allowed in the recycling bin.

Other rules

Here are some regulations visitors to the transfer station will need to follow:

• No trailers of any kind will be allowed. This rule was enforced due to repeated damage to the transfer station building from trailers being driven into its sides.

• Furniture and other large items such as couches, chairs, rugs, head boards, ottomans, desks and bureaus need to go into a “bulky waste” diversion container at the transfer station and not into the trash bin. If possible, break down or cut up large items as much as possible.

• Shredded paper must be placed in the orange PAYT bags and not in the recycling bin. Cardboard should be broken down so as to reduce space needed for additional recycling items.

• E-waste, hazardous materials or hard plastic items are not accepted at the transfer station. Look for seasonal collections or call the Rhode Island Resource Recovery Corporation (RIRRC) at 401/942-1430, ext. 241 for additional information.

• Soliciting, scavenging and/or loitering is not permitted at the transfer station.

• No “cleaning out” of automobiles is allowed while inside the transfer station building.

• The “give-and-take” area inside the transfer station will not be available after Jan. 1. Try to donate items before making your trip.

• You can dispose of mattresses that are in good condition free of charge. There is a $50 fee to take mattresses that are damp or wet. Call the transfer station (401/293-5865) before delivery to ensure that space is available for mattress or box spring disposal.

If you still have questions, contact Mr. Antaya at 401/643-0359. His hours vary, so leave a message if he’s not there.