Population:
Type of Community:
Type of Program:
Program Start Date:
Gainesville's move to
pay-as-you-throw
did more than
reduce waste and
increase recycling-it
created a more
equitable system for
residents.
EPA530-F-97-007C
PAY-AS-YOU-THROW SUCCESS STORIES
Gainesville, Florida
96,000
Suburban
Cart-based Cans
October 1994
Why Pay-As-You-Throw?
The results of the first year of our
program were amazing. After
implementing pay-as-you-throw, we
watched our recycling rates soar!
Before variable-rate pricing, the cost to indi-
viduals for service was hidden. Residential
users did not have an apparent reason to
limit their disposal habits. Now, Gainesville's
variable-rate pricing generates a visible
monthly charge that has resulted in a sub-
stantial reduction in both solid waste and
the costs associated with its disposal.
How Does It Work?
In July 1994, the city of Gainesville entered
into a contract with Waste Management of
Central Florida, Inc., for the collection of
residential solid waste and commingled
recyclables and into another contract with
Boone Waste Industries, Inc., for the collec-
tion of yard trash for recycling. The new
contract for solid waste service included a
variable rate for residential collections:
lu July jjf W3j I(ll. - ^
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residents pay $13.50, $15.96, or $19.75
per month according to whether they
place 35, 64, or 96 gallons of solid
waste at the curb for collection.
Recycling service is unlimited. While
residents have had curbside collection
of recyclables since 1989, the imple-
mentation of this program added
brown paper bags, corrugated card-
board, and phone books to the list of
items recycled.
Planning Ahead
Planning ahead was critical to the suc-
cess of Gainesville's program. It was cru-
cial for us to order our carts and public
outreach publications far in advance of
program implementation.
Success: Saving Money and
Reducing Waste
The results of the first year of our pro-
gram were amazing. The amount of
solid waste collected decreased 18
percent, and the recyclables recovered
increased 25 percent! The total dispos-
al tonnage decreased from 22,120 to
18,116. This resulted in a savings of
$186,200 to the residential sector, or
$7.95 per home.
Gainesville's move to a cart-based, vari-
able-rate residential collection system
did more than just increase the rate of
recovery and minimize disposal needs.
The distribution of system costs is more
equitable. Residents make the choice of
service delivery based on individual
waste-generation habits. This reduces
the level of subsidy that unlimited, flat-
rate collection systems encounter.
Gainesville's success story was compiled by Gina Hawkins, Recycling Coordinator,
(352) 334-5040.
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