TO encourage city dwellers to throw away less and be more mindful about what they put in the garbage, some cities tax their residents according to the amount of waste they produce. This policy has been implemented in several American states, as well as in Seoul, Korea to reduce food waste.
"Pay-as-you-throw." In other words, if you produce waste you will take out your wallet. A policy that may seem somewhat punitive. But it's being adopted in many cities around the world. And it seems to be paying off.
In the United States, the practice is widespread, with cities such as Seattle, Berkeley, Austin and Portland using it. The principle is simple, since it consists, in most cases, of paying additional taxes according to individual waste production. "Pay-as-you-throw is one of local governments' most effective tools for reducing waste, controlling waste disposal costs and giving residents an incentive to participate in recycling and composting programs," outlines research published in The Conversation.
This is the case in the US state of Massachusetts, where households generated an average of 562 kilograms (1,239 pounds) of waste per household in 2020, compared with 796 kilograms (1,756 pounds) per household in cities that have not adopted this approach, says the paper by Lily Baum Pollans, assistant professor of urban policy and planning at Hunter College in New York.
So how does it work?
Some municipalities require residents to label garbage bags so that they pay separately for each package containing the garbage. They may also be required to register for a garbage collection service, which limits the amount of garbage they can put out on the curb.
That's the kind of system that has been set up in Seoul. Since 2013, the capital of South Korea has required its residents to pay additional taxes based on the weight of their food waste. Each household has a smart card, the key to accessing the connected waste garbage cans equipped with scales and provided by the municipality.
Once the contents of the (biodegradable) garbage bags are emptied, the weight of the waste is displayed on a small screen. The relevant charges are then added to the bill of the household that holds the card. A compulsory pay system that encourages residents to reduce food waste and that has allowed the Seoul municipality to save about 7 million euros in terms of garbage collection.
Cryptocurrency in exchange for waste
Other strategies are orchestrated to encourage city dwellers to pick up litter in their spare time. While some take part in "plogging" (a Swedish trend that consists of jogging with a garbage bag in hand while picking up litter along the way), others do so in exchange for financial compensation.
Specifically, this is the modus operandi of the Clean Coins app, developed by a startup based in Haifa, Israel. The startup has created an eponymous cryptocurrency to reward users for collecting waste in the city. Users are rewarded according to the amount of waste they collect and can spend their earnings (exclusively in cryptocurrency) at the company's partner stores.
ETX Studio
Mon Feb 07 2022
To encourage city dwellers to throw away less, some cities tax residents according to the amount of waste they produce. - degetzica / Shutterstock
ISIS Malaysia's perspective of Budget 2025
An excellent rakyat-centric budget under the overarching principle of a caring and humane economy.
Budget 2025: Record increase in STR, SARA aid initiatives
The government will provide a significant boost to the Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah (STR) and Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (SARA) initiatives next year.
Budget 2025: EPF contributions to be made mandatory for foreign workers – PM Anwar
The government plans to make it compulsory for all non-citizen workers to contribute to the Employees Provident Fund (EPF).
What policies to expect from Indonesia's new President Prabowo
Prabowo will be open to foreign investment, his aide has said, such as by offering investors management of airports and sea ports.
Budget 2025: Govt allocates RM470 mil to empower women's participation in PMKS
The Women's Leadership Apprenticeship Program will be intensified as an effort to produce more female corporate personalities.
Israel sends more troops into north Gaza, deepens raid
Residents of Jabalia in northern Gaza said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp, using heavy air and ground fire.
Indonesia ramps up security ahead of Prabowo's inauguration
Prabowo Subianto will be sworn in as Indonesia's president on Sunday with Vice President-elect, Gibran Rakabuming Raka, also taking office.
Immediate allocation of RM150 mil for local authorities, DID to tackle flash floods
Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said this allocation is intended to address the recent flash floods that hit the capital and several major towns.
Budget 2025: Sabah, Sarawak to continue receiving among highest allocations - PM
Sabah and Sarawak continues to be prioritised under Budget 2025, with allocations of RM6.7 billion and RM5.9 billion respectively.
NFOF will be operational in November 2024 with funding of RM1 bil
PM Anwar Ibrahim said NFOF will support venture capital fund managers to invest in startup companies with RM300 million set aside for 2025.
Minimum wage to increase to RM1,700 effective Feb 1, 2025
The Progressive Wage Policy would be fully enforced next year with an allocation of RM200 million, benefiting 50,000 workers.
Bursa Malaysia ends higher on Budget 2025 optimism
The benchmark index, which opened 1.85 points higher at 1,643.29, moved between 1,641.71 and 1,649.31 throughout the trading session.
Five important aspects relating to people’s lives in Budget 2025 - PM
The focus is on driving the MADANI Economy, speeding reforms, cutting red tape, raising wages, and tackling the cost of living.
Economic outlook: Govt plans to leverage, expand existing city transit system
The expansion aims to provide a more efficient and reliable public transportation network, reduce congestion, and improve accessibility.
Economic outlook: Budget 2025 to lay foundation for a digital-driven economy
The report said Budget 2025 will entail efforts to position Kuala Lumpur as a top 20 global startup hub by 2030 through the KL20 initiative.
Economic outlook: Corruption and lack of accountability hinder economic progress
Special Cabinet Committee on National governance is established to curb corruption, law reforms to modernise outdate regulations, MoF said.
National Wages Consultative Council will be strengthened
The govt will also incentivise hiring women returning from career breaks, offer job matching and improve care services facilities.
Economic outlook: Ensuring 11 years of compulsory education for all children
Budget 2025 will continue prioritising upskilling and retraining initiatives to equip workers with the latest skill sets necessary.
Consolidated public sector projected to record lower surplus of RM41.7 bil 2024
The MoF said the consolidated general government revenue is estimated to increase slightly to RM384.7 billion in 2024.
PM announces substantial Budget 2025 hastening Malaysia to become Asian economic powerhouse
Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said it would create jobs and also tackle financial leakages to enhance public spending efficiency.