When every bag counts: pay-as-you-throw schemes in large European cities

In densely populated urban areas, where space is limited and lifestyles are diverse, designing equitable and efficient waste systems is no simple task. The new ACR+ report When every bag counts: PAYT schemes for large European cities examines how Pay-As-You-Throw (PAYT) systems can be successfully applied in large cities while remaining fair and accessible to all residents.

The study focuses on four major European cities – Ghent, Liège, Maastricht, and Bergamo – each facing complex urban realities such as high-rise housing, transient populations, and strong social diversity. It investigates how PAYT schemes can encourage better sorting and reduce residual waste, while also engaging disadvantaged households through well-designed social provisions.

While the full report When every bag counts is available exclusively to ACR+ members, download the executive summary to discover ACR+ insights on implementing equitable and effective PAYT systems in large European cities.

ACR+ members are kindly invited to log in to their account to be able to download the report.