Pay as you throw (PAYT) is policy instrument that charges citizens for the amount of waste they produce, so the Municipal Solid Waste (MSW) services are considered as an utility. It is often linked with the purchase of trash bags directly by the citizens, usually marked with a code.
Source: © 2014 WasteZero
There are different types of pay as you throw systems, with different outcomes and effectiveness.
- Cash-based system: Residents pay an amount in cash for every bag they dispose of at a convenience center or transfer station.
- Variable Rate Carts: Residents choose from among different sizes of carts, paying more for the larger carts and less for the smaller ones.
- Tags on Bags: Residents pay by the bag by affixing a pre-paid tag or sticker to each bag of trash.
- Bag-based system: Residents dispose of their waste in specialized bags approved by the city or town and clearly marked with the municipal seal or other unique instructions/information; collection can be either with automated pickup or by hand, often this system works by trucks that weight the bags.
Where: smaller municipalities and metropolis.
Benefits: using economy to incentivise a less environmentally impactful lifestyle, great control over costs.
Win-win stratey that has conduct to high recycling rates in the cities where it has been implemented.
Product life cycle stages & Modules (EN15978): End of Life C1 – C4
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