One funding mechanism with a proven track record of raising funds to reduce and recycle waste is the establishment of a per-ton surcharge on waste landfilled or incinerated. A waste disposal surcharge is typically a fee added to the per-ton tipping fees charged for waste disposal at waste disposal sites such as landfills, incinerators, and transfer stations. They can be charged to waste haulers or even at the generator-level such that households and businesses are taxed directly based on waste generated.
Featured here are various examples of waste surcharges or fees that allocate generated revenue to fund recycling, composting, and waste diversion efforts. Some also support other environmental programs (such as Pennsylvania’s grant program). While most of these waste surcharges are implemented at the state level, there are a few notable local examples too.
Featured Resources
- Use our model legislation template to introduce a policy like these in your own state or locality.
- Check out our article “Surcharges on Waste Disposal Fund Composting,” which further analyzes these policies and features ten examples of existing regulations.
- Watch our Webinar: Funding Recycling Infrastructure via Disposal Surcharges, with speakers from state agencies with existing policies.
- We helped introduce a model bill in Maryland in the 2022, 2023, and 2024 legislative sessions.
Model Policies
Use our model legislation template to introduce a policy like these in your own state or locality.
Alameda County, California – Waste Disposal Surcharges
Indiana – Waste Disposal Surcharge
Iowa – Waste Disposal Surcharge
Minnesota – Waste Generator Surcharges
New Jersey – Waste Disposal Surcharge
North Carolina – Waste Disposal Surcharge
Ohio – Waste Disposal Surcharges
Pennsylvania – Waste Disposal Surcharges
San Mateo County, California – Waste Disposal Surcharges
Santa Clara County, California – Waste Disposal Surcharges
Wisconsin – Waste Disposal Surcharges
Arizona – Waste Disposal Surcharge
The Arizona Solid Waste Recycling Act of 1990 established Arizona’s disposal fee of $0.25/ton to fund the ADEQ Recycling Grant Program. The Recycling Grant Program was paused in 2013 and revived in 2023 after a decade-long hiatus… Read More
Tennessee – Waste Disposal Surcharge
Tennessee’s Solid Waste Management Act of 1991 established a $0.90 surcharge on each ton of waste disposed at landfills and incinerators. The revenue is deposited into the Tennessee Solid Waste Management Fund, from which annual waste reduction grants are awarded… Read More