Pay-As-You-Throw Collection Systems

Communities across the U.S. are radically changing their approach to garbage collection and disposal. Prompted by rising disposal costs and the emergence of state legislated recycling and reduction goals, over 3,000 local governments have adopted pay-as-youthrow systems-also known as variable rate, volume-based or unit pricing systems. Traditionally, the costs of garbage collection and disposal have been covered by residents' property taxes or through annual or monthly fixed fees charged to each household. With pay-as-you-throw systems, the fee charged for collection and disposal increases with the amount of garbage thrown away. This provides a financial incentive for residents to reduce waste, which can in turn lead to lower transportation and disposal costs for the local government.