Ericathephantom’s Weblog

Residents could be charged for the weight of their rubbish by new computer chips installed in wheelie bins. 

Within a year, there could be a tax on the weight of rubbish collected in our bins if trials are successful. A computer chip inside the dustbins will calculate how much weight of refuse is thrown at every collection.

This is a plan to increase the rate of recycling to meet Landfill Directive diversion targets for biodegradable municipal waste in 2010, 2013 and 2020. 

Labour ministers have ordered that to meet the target, the amount of rubbish recycled must be increased from 25% to 40%. MPs also warn the UK could face fines of up to £180m a year from the European Commission if it does not cut the amount of waste dumped in landfill. 

“Each year we generate about 100 million tonnes of waste from households, commerce and industry combined. Most of this currently ends up in landfill, where biodegradable waste generates methane, a powerful greenhouse gas. And much valuable energy is used up in making new products which are later disposed of, so also contributing to climate change” (DEFRA)

However, some have doubt towards these new ‘pay as you throw’ plans. Simon Davies, founder of Privacy International, said he had grave concerns about the increasing use of tagging technology to gather information: “Residents need to be aware that once they accept this there is no turning back,” he added. “This just takes it to a new level.” (Source, BBC)

Amy Galloway, 20, a student from Birmingham said: “It seems like a good idea but what’s to stop other people putting their rubbish in your bins?”

Sam Dingley, 21, a bartender from Wolverhampton said: “ I think it’s an invasion of privacy. Also, won’t people just dump their rubbish elsewhere? There must be another way of increasing recycling. ”