Evaluating the effects of unit based waste disposal schemes on the collection of household recyclables in Ontario, Canada

This study examines the effects of pay as you throw schemes (PAYT) on municipal recycling rates in Ontario, Canada. Using a combination of panel and semi-structured survey data from provincial municipalities, focus is placed on analyzing: (a) the effects of PAYT systems on municipal recycling rates, (b) the relationship between mandatory recycling legislation and the effectiveness of PAYT policy, (c) the impact of Ontario's “one Blue Box per household” provision on PAYT schemes and (d) whether the presence of PAYT systems significantly modify household recycling behavior. The results of the analysis show that while the implementation of PAYT schemes does increase municipal recycling rates, there are opportunities for further improvement. In Ontario, the effectiveness of PAYT policy is impaired by inconsistent enforcement and the inadequate capacity of household recycling bins (“blue bins”).