Dive Brief:
- On November 15, the Boston Globe reported that the city of Gloucester, MA is one of the largest trash generators, and was cited as one of the worst recyclers in the state.
- Mike Hale, the Director of Public Works said the figures are based on “erroneous statistics” and that Gloucester is “one of the best recycling communities.”
- Numbers provided by Hale indicate that the city recycles 42% of its trash output; in addition, 2012 data shows 6,837 tons of waste was collected and 2,890 tons were recycled.
Dive Insight:
Gloucester’s “Pay-As-You-Throw” (PAYT) waste collection program was cited as contributing to the city’s increased recycling rate. A case study indicates that PAYT systems lower the volume of waste collected in curbside pick-ups, as households pay for the amount of waste discarded.
The EPA states that the PAYT system “creates a direct economic incentive to recycle more and generate less waste.”
A PAYT system in Worcester, MA has saved the city up to $20 million dollars in the past two decades and has aided in reducing the recycling rate to 43%, which is 13% above the state average.
