What are some of the benefits that could result from a regional solid waste management authority?
Successful, well-run solid waste management authorities have reduced the costs for solid waste disposal and the costs for management and administration. They have also increased recycling! This occurs because of “economies of scale”, that is, the more solid waste that is treated and disposed of, the lower the cost per ton. Treatment facilities can be fully and more efficiently utilized, and contractors will often offer better prices for larger amounts of waste. This also occurs because a solid waste management authority usually replaces several local municipalities or organizations which are managing solid waste, and fewer staff is needed. In our example, 1 regional solid waste management authority could possibly replace 11 solid waste planning units which currently manage solid waste in our area. With a solid waste management authority, small recycling programs can be combined and some of the above savings can be used to fund education and compliance programs, fund collection days, an
