GLA to look at “polluter pays” rebate scheme

Low recycling rates in London have led to the Greater London Authority (GLA) looking at the best ways to increase participation amongst residents. In the last two months, the GLA has set up incentive schemes in Brent and Lambeth which pay residents 10 if they recycle for three months in a six-month period. The Mayor launched the Lambeth scheme in May but it has received criticism for being too complicated and the GLA is now looking at how a “polluter pays” initiative could increase recycling rates in the captial.

Speaking at the “Recycling – Let's Make it Happen” conference held yesterday in North London, John Duffy, senior policy advisor to the Mayor, said that the authority is currently looking at how a rebate scheme could be set up. He said: “The GLA has done some research into the proposal and the Mayor is keen to try it out. By carrying out an opinion poll we have found that the public doesn't mind the idea of the scheme because if they recycle they will get the money back.”

Mr Duffy added: “It is important that we think differently and find a British solution to the problem as on the Continent they think that recycling costs and it doesn’t have to be this way. If we don't think differently then we won't change anything.”

Legislation
A rebate scheme could be set up fairly quickly as there wouldn't have to be any changes in legislation and the GLA added that 10% of households would be eligible for some kind of exemption and people living in high rise properties would receive an automatic rebate.

Mr Duffy said that capital expenditure for a scheme such as this would not be any more than for the investment which needs to be made to meet the waste strategy targets. The annual cost of a bar code system which would show which households are recycling is about 40,000 for a borough, but with the money brought in by those who don’t recycle the GLA has predicted that the scheme would break even at 90% participation. However additional vehicles and crews would be needed once participation was over 60%.

Commenting on the delayed publication of the Mayor's waste strategy, Mr Duffy said that it has now left the advisors and is with the politicians. “It should be out in the next couple of weeks and then we will want everyone's opinions on the strategy and all views will be taken on board.”