The Pay-As-You-Throw Solution – Increasing Local Recovery of Materials and Recycling Rates Carolina Recycling Association April 10, 2013

Copyright © 2013 WasteZero 2 Introduction We’re all here this week to talk about how to increase recycling rates. My goal with this talk is to show you how there is no better way to do that quickly and effectively than Pay As You Throw (PAYT). PAYT encourages behavioral changes that drive numerous valuable outcomes, including in the following areas: —Increased municipal recycling —Diversion of recyclable material from the waste stream —Capture of challenging recyclables —Better, more innovative packaging choices PAYT works in communities of all sizes and with all sorts of residences.

Copyright © 2013 WasteZero 3 WasteZero – A Bit About Us WasteZero partners with municipalities to deliver the most effective waste reduction and recycling programs in the United States. —Specialized trash bags to support waste reduction and recycling in ~800 towns and cities Recycling bags for large cities and multi-family dwellings Municipal garbage bags Special event and benefit cleanup bags —Fully integrated Pay As You Throw programs in 53 towns and cities: 46% solid waste reduction 98% customer retention Offices in Raleigh, NC; Murrells Inlet, SC; Cambridge, MA; and Chicago, IL

Copyright © 2013 WasteZero 4 PAYT—What’s the Point? Regardless of how much trash they generate = $$$ Or a little… = $$$ T RADITIONAL T RASH C OLLECTION P AY -A S -Y OU -T HROW Or how little… Residents pay one fixed fee for disposal. (An “all you can eat” approach) They only pay for the amount of trash they throw away. (A variable rate, equitable approach) If residents generate a lot of trash =$$$

Copyright © 2013 WasteZero 5 PAYT—How It Works Program launches 1 STEP Households pay only for what they throw away; trash is metered in a number of ways: 2 STEP Treating trash services just like electricity, gas, and other utilities creates a direct economic incentive to recycle more and to generate less waste. The less individuals throw away, the less they pay.

Copyright © 2013 WasteZero 6 PAYT—Win Win Easy to understand Convenient and user-friendly Fair, maintaining the proper incentives Continuous positive behavior reinforcement Effective communication materials and support tools Happy Residents Strong resident satisfaction Quick implementation Minimal or no capital expenditure Immediate and long-term waste reduction Minimal staffing requirements Long-term financial viability Support for community’s environmental objectives Happy Municipal Officials =

Copyright © 2013 WasteZero 7 The Pay As You Throw Solution WasteZero Trash Metering™ doubles or triples recycling rates in our partner communities. With full service bag-based PAYT

Copyright © 2013 WasteZero 8 Increased Recycling Increase in Recycling (Tons) Decrease in MSW (Tons) Dartmouth MA50%57% Tiverton RI100%50% Malden MA74%49% S. Berwick ME47%44% Duxbury MA20%43% Decatur GA79%42% Grafton MA98%41% Ashland MA98%35% Sandwich MA74%42% Once PAYT programs are in place, increases in recycling are immediate—and long term.

Copyright © 2013 WasteZero 9 Local Benefits Statewide implementation of Pay As You Throw in the Carolinas would have dramatic benefits for the recycling economy. Additional Recycling Captured New Jobs North CarolinaSouth Carolina 616,000 Tons per Year 16, ,000 Tons per Year 10,000+

Copyright © 2013 WasteZero 10 PAYT Programs in the South Rural —Alamance County, NC —Coweta County, GA —Craven County, NC —Elbert County, GA —Oconee County, GA —Oglethorpe County, GA —Onslow County, NC —Rowan County, NC —Transylvania County, NC —Union County, NC Urban —Austell, GA —Charlottesville, VA —Decatur, GA —Gainesville, FL —Lynchburg, VA —Plantation, FL —Poquoson, VA —Tulsa, OK

Copyright © 2013 WasteZero 11 PAYT Programs in the South—Rural

Copyright © 2013 WasteZero 12 PAYT Programs in the South—Rural (Cont.)

Copyright © 2013 WasteZero 13 PAYT Programs in the South—Curbside

Copyright © 2013 WasteZero 14 PAYT Programs in the South—Curbside (Cont.)

Copyright © 2013 WasteZero 15 PAYT Programs in the South—Curbside (Cont.)

Copyright © 2013 WasteZero 16 PAYT Programs in the South—Curbside (Cont.)

Copyright © 2013 WasteZero 17 PAYT Programs in the South—Curbside (Cont.)

Copyright © 2013 WasteZero 18 Real-Life Success Stories Decatur, GA (population ~19,335) B ACKGROUND While the City of Decatur already offered a recycling program, to meet state requirements to reduce landfill deposits, in 1997 it recognized a need to step up its waste management efforts. The city rolled out its new PAYT system to residents in —Mail and outreach– Public hearings and neighborhood meetings —Local media– Three sizes and colors of WasteZero customized plastic trash bags Residents citywide purchase WasteZero Trash Metering™ trash bags in grocery stores, hardware stores, and municipal offices. As a result, the city saves more than $150,000 annually and applies that savings to fund local recycling events, raise awareness, and increase recycling rates even further. *Equals recycling/(solid waste + recycling) D ECATUR R ESULTS W ITH W ASTE Z ERO : 1998 TO P RESENT – 42% reduction in solid waste – 79% increase in amount of recycling tonnage – 33% increase in compost – 100% increase in recycling rate* (from 10.7 to 22%) – More than $150,000 saved in disposal costs in their first year and each year since

Copyright © 2013 WasteZero 19 Thank You! Les Evans Vice President, Municipal Partnerships Phone: