In May, the Recycling Council of Ontario (RCO) hosted a series of workshops on "Implementing Municipal User Fees For Garbage". Speakers from Canada and the United States presented their experiences on some of the benefits and barriers. Speakers were articulate and presented good concise data on what may well be the most important driver of recycling this decade.
Two distinct approaches were outlined. The subscription approach uses variable rates assigned to a specific size of garbage can leased by the user, charges vary with can size.
The usage approach means that special identifiers such as bag tags, stickers or special garbage bags are purchased by the householder. In the future charges may be on a weight basis. Mechanisms for determining weight at the curb accurately have been challenging.
These two approaches have been adopted in full or in part. Partial programs encompass provision of one or more free bags.
The common concerns include:
Speakers shared their experiences about these concerns. People that dump their garbage aren't terribly bright - the garbage usually contains several references to the owner. One solution was to send the owner a bill for $25 per bag "pick-up service" plus the user pay charge. Another creative approach was an ad in the local paper under lost and found, indicating that the owner could pick up his garbage from city hall. Needless to say these actions were not repeated.
To assure taxpayers that they were not being hit twice, municipalities showed existing costs on the tax assessment.
A proportionate tax reduction accompanying the introduction of user fees further assured taxpayers.
Most user pay programs have shown that opposition usually fades within six months; surveys to date in Ontario and elsewhere indicate overwhelming support. Public education on the benefits is critical. Political decision makers must be able to field questions from their municipalities with confidence. Media can play an important role to help inform the public on details of the switch and how to participate. Some concern has been shown for seniors and low income households; social assistance can be provided by offering the bags at half price. Householders find that user pay really isn't any different to paying for the water, heat or hydro they use.
Belleville Ontario provides a good example of the benefits user pay can generate. In its estimates for 1995, Belleville projected the following changes:
Great work Belleville!Copyright © 1996 Glass Works