Introducing our Future of Waste series, focusing on Pay As You Throw.
Over the next few weeks, we’ll be running a series of blogs on Pay as You Throw (PAYT). This is a concept that is already working in many places, and we’ll be investigating how it works, why it’s important and what its potential is for the future.
Part One: An Explainer – What is PAYT and how does it work?
Part Two: State-of-the-Nation – what’s happening with PAYT right now, and how are cities and citizens getting on with the scheme?
Part Three: The future – this is just the start of a completely new approach to waste. What will our waste management processes look like in 20 years’ time?
Why are we talking about this?
Waste management is critical to better protection for our planet. Earth’s resources are finite, and we can’t go on using brand new materials. But we live in a consumer society, where waste is a significant contributor to greenhouse gas emissions, and where we still don’t manage our waste well enough.
We know that the best way to get people to change behaviours is often through legislation. Introducing PAYT schemes encourages people to think more about the products they buy and whether they are recyclable, reusable or just heading for landfill. This is working already in many cities across the word.
For example, in Massachusetts, towns operating PAYT schemes saw a 30% reduction in waste generated per household, compared with those towns that didn’t have the scheme. Research shows that over time, there is a general decline in the amount that people throw away, because they are more conscious of what they are buying and using.
As market leaders in waste and recycling software solutions, we have a commitment to helping businesses and communities use less and waste less. So PAYT – now and in the future – is a significant part of that conversation.
