Exploring stakeholder perceptions of Pay-As-You-Throw (PAYT) for household solid waste management in the City of Cape Town

Abstract

Pay-as-you-throw (PAYT) is widely regarded as one of the most effective economic instruments for advancing waste management practices, particularly for increasing recycling and reducing landfill waste. This study explores stakeholders' perceptions of PAYT for household waste in the City of Cape Town Metropolitan Municipality (CCT). Data were collected through a survey questionnaire completed by 127 households and 10 municipal waste officials. The questionnaire included structured statements assessed using a 5-point Likert scale and two open-ended questions where respondents identified opportunities and challenges for PAYT implementation in CCT. The findings indicate strong support for PAYT, with both municipal and household respondents agreeing that its implementation could enhance recycling and waste diversion from landfills. Respondents also believed that CCT could successfully implement PAYT, provided that key factors such as accurate waste billing, public participation, education, transparency, and a robust recycling infrastructure were in place. While there was strong support for a weight-based PAYT system, respondents rejected replacing the current wheelie bins with a bag system. Respondents identified PAYT as a potential opportunity to boost recycling, waste diversion, and public awareness, but also raised concerns about challenges such as illegal dumping, increased waste costs, poverty, inequality, stakeholder buy-in, and the sustainability of the secondary goods market. These findings provide valuable insights into the potential for PAYT in CCT and highlight the need for careful planning to address challenges before its implementation.