The impacts of a recycling surcharge to increase landfill tipping fees in Wisconsin

Abstract

This paper presents an analysis of using a state-imposed recycling surcharge to increase landfill tipping fees in Wisconsin, thereby impacting the disposal of out-of-state waste. Illinois and Minnesota are by far the two largest contributors of out-of-state waste to Wisconsin landfills. Accordingly, a mathematical model was developed to holistically assess the transport and disposal costs for municipal solid waste between Illinois and Minnesota and Wisconsin. The results of this model were then used to predict the effects of various increases to the existing recycling surcharge on both the volume of waste flowing into Wisconsin and the amount of revenue that could be generated for the state recycling fund. It was concluded that, aside from constitutional issues, an increased recycling surcharge would work reasonably well to divert low percentages of out-of-state waste away from Wisconsin. However, the recycling surcharge is more effective as a revenue-generating tool when the goals of revenue generation and waste diversion are balanced appropriately. Generating revenue for state waste management and recycling programmes may be more valuable than actually diverting large amounts of waste away from Wisconsin.