Homes paid for recycling waste
Author: The Times - Sep 7, 2009
Rubbish is to be turned into a money-spinner for households in a trial starting today which may see humans join foxes in nightly raids on bins.
Almost 4,000 homes will be paid for every kilogram of recyclable waste that they place in the correct bin.
Rather than fining or lecturing people who do not recycle, the Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead is taking the alternative approach of rewarding those who do.
The trial will test the theory, supported by research just published by Harvard University, that carrots are better than sticks when it comes to persuading people to behave in an environmentally-friendly way.
Microchips have been installed on wheelie bins distributed to 3,800 homes. The bins will be scanned and weighed automatically as they are emptied into refuse trucks. Householders will earn points which can be converted into vouchers redeemable at 60 local shops, cafés and attractions. Conscious of the risk of people raiding a neighbour’s recycling bin for bottles and newspapers, the council has placed a £130 cap on the amount a household can earn in a year.
Spot checks will be carried out to catch people who try to exploit the system by putting heavy non-recyclable items into their recycling bins. They will be sent a warning letter and, for repeated offences, could lose their entitlement to vouchers.
A similar trial will start in October in Runcorn and Widnes in Merseyside. Several London boroughs are also considering giving rewards for recycling, and the idea is likely to be taken up widely once the Government has tightened the rules on landfill.
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