Sack-based waste charging could be brought in for 4 per household and more high-tech weight-based charging could be implemented at a cost of 6.60 per household, according to a study commissioned by the Chartered Institution of Wastes Management (CIWM) Environmental Body.
The research, which was funded by Biffaward through the Landfill Tax Credits Scheme, compared the expected revenues and costs of implementing charging mechanisms with current UK collection costs. It also identified benefits of charging and potential obstacles, from looking at European case studies and speaking to UK local government officers.
“Significant Impact”
The report revealed that many European charging schemes had reduced residual waste to 150kg per person – less than half the average UK figure of 400kg per person. The CIWM concluded that direct charging schemes in Europe and the USA had a “significant impact on waste minimisation and recycling activities.” But it stressed that they worked best when combined with source separation schemes.
Dr Jane Beasley of the CIWM said: “The time has now come for local authorities to be allowed to trial charging schemes. There are many with an effective recycling infrastructure already in place, just waiting for government to give them the green light… it's a much fairer, more transparent system.”
Perception
Local authority officers who were consulted for the report said there was a perception that charging schemes would be unpopular with politicians and householders, with confusion over how such schemes would work, and fears they would be expensive. Council leaders in particular believed the disadvantages of charging for waste would outweigh the benefits.
However, case studies showed that the local acceptance of charging schemes relied on the good educational and publicity programmes before the scheme began. “If the population is kept informed and has the opportunity to divert material away from disposal via effective recycling and waste minimisation schemes, there is local acceptance,” the CIWM said.
To see the full report, click here.
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