Pay as you throw

31 October 2007, by Heavens Paradox

I noticed on the news today that local councils have been given the go-ahead to pilot ‘pay as you throw’ plans. The basic idea being that you will have to pay extra if you produce a lot of rubbish. The aim is to encourage more recycling, but will it work?

I see the danger being in the details. The basic principle seems like a good idea to me. However, how do you decide what is a ‘reasonable’ quantity of rubbish per household? This will be what decides if you get an extra charge, or even a potential saving on council tax if you produce under the threshold levels decided on. The recycling services vary from council to council as well, so this could have an effect on the quantity of rubbish produced. My current feeling on this is that it should be a really good scheme, offering the right kind of incentives and penalties - if they can set the thresholds at a suitable level.

Categories: Current Affairs