LONDON, June 13 (UPI) -- An expert on local government, reviewing local council taxation in Britain, proposes charging by the bag for trash collection.
Sir Michael Lyons, professor of public policy at Birmingham University, wants to introduce more variable taxes so that residents will be aware of the cost of local government services, The Times of London reports.
A by-the-bag trash tax would bring Britain into line with many European countries where residents are more likely to recycle.
"It is a fairness issue," Lyons said. "Why should people who don't take recycling very seriously or have a lifestyle that generates a lot of waste be able to do that when their neighbors are being very careful not to generate waste and putting their energies into recycling?"
The proposal has the backing of environmental groups. But critics say that some scofflaws may simply dump their trash in their neighbors yards.
There is also fear of a backlash if residents see the plan as an extra tax on a service they are already paying for.
