By reducing the amount of waste we dispose of, recycling can reduce some costs for trash disposal. But in reality, recycling will probably not result in large cost savings unless it reduces a significant part of the waste stream. Rather than charging all households a flat fee for trash disposal, households with more trash would pay more than those with less trash. This provides an incentive to reduce waste and increase recycling. It s a good idea, if everybody plays by the rules.
Most businesses already pay variable rates.
They contract to have a container on their premises and hauling and landfill fees are based on weight. However, many businesses find it necessary to lock their dumpsters to avoid illegal dumping. If people are willing to put trash in a business dumpster to avoid paying fees at the landfill gate, they may be willing to illegally dump trash on roadsides, ditches or in their neighbor s trash container to avoid paying fees. Whatever rates a community decides to set for disposal, it should cover the amount of trash an average household produces in a year. Public education programs can help consumers reduce the amount of waste they produce.