Cutting the Waste: How to save money while improving our solid waste systems (Canada’s Ecofiscal Commission)

This report by Canada’s Ecofiscal Commission finds that policy changes can make our waste systems more efficient and less costly. The key to an efficient waste management system is getting incentives right and relying more on market-based policies. Municipalities should charge residents and businesses according to the waste they create. Those who make more waste should pay more, and those who make less should pay less. The report recommends doing so with “pay-as-you-throw” programs for residents and “tipping fees” that reflect the full cost of the service for businesses. Download the full report on the website of Canada’s Ecofiscal Commission.