the financial powerof zero-waste programs: a pay-as-you-throw case studyfrom worcester, mass.
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Copyright ©2015 WasteZero
The Financial Powerof Zero-Waste Programs:
A Pay-as-You-Throw Case StudyFrom Worcester, Mass.
Mark Dancy—President, WasteZeroBob Moylan—Commissioner of Public Works and Parks (retired), Worcester
Copyright ©2015 WasteZero
Not All Waste Reduction Plans Are Created Equal
Mandatory Recycling↓ Low Cost↓ Low Effectiveness
Variable-Rate Carts↑ High Cost↓ Low Effectiveness
Single-Stream Recycling↑ High Cost↓ Low Effectiveness
Automated/Larger Recycling Carts↑ High Cost↓ Low Effectiveness
Recycling Education↓ Low Cost↓ Low Effectiveness
Copyright ©2015 WasteZero
Not All Waste Reduction Plans Are Created Equal
Mandatory Recycling↓ Low Cost↓ Low Effectiveness
Variable-Rate Carts↑ High Cost↓ Low Effectiveness
Single-Stream Recycling↑ High Cost↓ Low Effectiveness
Automated/Larger Recycling Carts↑ High Cost↓ Low Effectiveness
Recycling Education↓ Low Cost↓ Low Effectiveness
Pay-as-You-Throw
↓ Low Cost
↑ High Effectiveness
↑ High Revenue-Generation
Copyright ©2015 WasteZero
Trash Is America’s $384 Billion Problem
TOTAL: $384 Billion per Year
MSW Management Expenses$100 Billion
Energy Opportunity Cost
$100 Billion
+
$200 Billion
Avoidable Costs
Recycling Jobs Payroll
$34 Billion
Remanufacturing Revenue
$100 Billion+
+
Value of Materials
$50 Billion
Unrealized Revenue
$184 Billion
Copyright ©2015 WasteZero
Solid Waste Is a UtilitySolid waste is the last unmetered utility, which encourages waste and is unfair.
Electricity Gas
WaterTrash
Metered Unmetered
Communities should be metering their trash just like they meter their other utilities.
Copyright ©2015 WasteZero
The Way Things Work Now2. Request 3. Blank Check1. Flat Fee or No Fee
Solid Waste $138.00
CITY OF ANYTOWN
ANYTOWN, USAPO BOX 1234
CITY OF ANYTOWN
ANYTOWN, USAPO BOX 1234
ANYTOWN, USA
Encourages waste; unfair to those who throw away less
Copyright ©2015 WasteZero
The Pay-as-You-Throw Solution2. Pay per Bag 3. Incentivize
What’s Right1. Cut Fees
(when possible)
Provides incentives to reduce, reuse, recycle, and compost; equitable
Copyright ©2015 WasteZero
Pay-as-You-Throw ResultsResults That Are Immediate… and Long-Term
Trash tonnage drops to 50% of national average and sometimes even lower. Disposal spending plummets.
Within 90 days: Long Term (Years 2-10):• Tonnage can be reduced by up to
60%.• Tipping fees continue to decline, and
recycling revenues rise.• Resident satisfaction increases.
Recycling rates often double or even triple. Revenue from recycled material increases.
Copyright ©2015 WasteZero
Pay-as-You-Throw Results
WATERVILLE, MAINE53% DECLINE IN SOLID WASTE IN 5
MONTHS
MALDEN, MASS.52% DECLINE IN SOLID WASTE OVER 5
YEARS
FALL RIVER, MASS.43% DECLINE IN SOLID WASTE IN 6
MONTHS
SANFORD, MAINE41% DECLINE IN SOLID WASTE IN 3
MONTHS
Copyright ©2015 WasteZero
PAYT in Worcester—Background
• In 1993, the Worcester, Mass., Public Works & Parks Department faced a significant budget shortfall.
• We faced a choice: cut staff and services, or institute pay-as-you-throw.
• After intense debate across the city, we started our PAYT program in November 1993.
Copyright ©2015 WasteZero
PAYT in Worcester—Details on Program
• Dispose of trash in official yellow bags available at retailers throughout the city
– 30-gal. bag: $1.50
– 15-gal. bag: $0.75
• Curbside garbage and recycling collection
• Approximately 52,000 households
• Average household uses 1.2 30-gal. bags per week
• Compliance near 100%
Copyright ©2015 WasteZero
PAYT in Worcester—Financial Results
Program Revenue:$46.8 Million
Operational Savings: $26.3 Million
Copyright ©2015 WasteZero
PAYT in Worcester—Financial Results
Program Revenue:$46.8 Million
Operational Savings: $26.3 Million
Disposal Savings: $21.4 Million
Copyright ©2015 WasteZero
PAYT in Worcester—Financial Results
Program Revenue:$46.8 Million
Operational Savings: $26.3 Million
Disposal Savings: $21.4 Million
Net Financial Impact:
$94.5 Million Total
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