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. - ^ ------- 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. ------- |