PAYT Programs Reduce Waste

Danielle Jackson

Los Angeles — According to a recent study published by the Reason Foundation, pay-as-you-throw (PAYT) waste programs result in a 17 percent drop in garbage tonnage, and show a significant increase in recycling.

The study has found that variable-rate pricing is the most effective way to involve communities in PAYT programs. Variable-rate programs currently are available to approximately 20 percent of the country’s population and exist in all but four states. According to the report, about 1.3 million tons of waste is source-reduced annually by variable-rate communities.

To view the full study, visit www.rppi.org/ps295.pdf, or call (310) 391-2245.