Dive Brief:

• Memphis’ waste collection services are hemorrhaging millions, prompting city officials to consider Pay-As-You-Throw (PAYT) services called the “Save Money and Reduce Trash” (SMART) program.
• The Department of Public Works said its biggest challenge is curbside collections, and it is seeking ways to become financially viable. 
• Public Works is looking at a $10 million hole next year, and a large part of the loss stems from its trash services. 

Dive Insight:

The city is torn about the adoption of the plan. Some officials don’t want to raise taxes for services, and suggest shifting priorities to prevent increases from happening. Others are looking to shift the responsibility to residents for the volume of trash they toss, citing that otherwise all residents will wind up paying more for services regardless of the amount of trash each individual throws out. 

PAYT has been successful in some areas. Worcester, MA implemented the system twenty years ago, saving between $10 and $20 million over that time. It seems like Memphis could explore PAYT if it has the potential to yield similar results, especially in the face of its budgetary issue.