PAYT

Pay-As-You-Throw (PAYT) is a waste management pricing model in which customers pay for disposal services based on the amount of waste they generate, rather than paying a flat rate. In PAYT systems, the amount of waste is typically measured by the number of trash bags or containers a household or business uses, by weight tracked with scales, or by volume using different bin sizes and bag prices. Some programs require residents to purchase specially marked bags or tags, while others rely on electronic meters or weight-based billing at the curb.

The rationale behind PAYT is to create an economic signal that encourages waste reduction, recycling, and diversion of materials from landfills. By internalizing disposal costs, households have an incentive to minimize non-recyclable waste and to participate in recycling and composting programs. Proponents argue PAYT can reduce per-capita waste, increase recycling rates, and provide municipalities with more flexible revenue streams.

PAYT programs emerged in the late 20th century and have been implemented in many cities and regions across North America and Europe. The design of a PAYT system varies, including per-bag charges, per-bin pricing, or weight-based fees, and often includes exemptions for recyclables, bulky items, and certain categories of waste. Some programs combine PAYT with baseline service charges to ensure access to essential disposal.

Critics note administrative complexity, potential higher costs for low-income residents if affordability measures are lacking, and risks of illegal dumping or cross-border waste diversion if prices are set too high. Proponents argue that with proper safeguards and targeted exemptions, PAYT can be designed to be equitable and effective.

See also: Waste management, Unit pricing, Recycling.