The Asheville City Council will be asked Tuesday to approve a pilot program for per-pound or per-bin waste collection fees in three parts of town. The idea originated in environmental camps, but is now being sold to the general public as “market-based” or “variable-rate” waste collection. As long as the assessment methods are fairly reflective of costs, I cannot complain.
However, silly me thought of the guy in the Burton Street area (one of the three pilot areas) McDonald’s drive-thru throwing bags and cups of KFC products out the window and onto the pavement in broad daylight. Surely, he is exceptional, and nobody is going to be using other peoples’ trash bins. What about people in apartments? Then, I thought of people hoarding trash and wondered if a green, market-based collection program had played into the plagues of the Dark Ages. I digress.
Residents may have a slight increase per collection bill, but will realize a decrease in multiple unseen external costs. An indirect savings for taxpayers is anticipated, as well as potential job creation, decreased tipping fees, and a healthier environment for Asheville residents.
