Increased recognition of the limited assimilative capacity of the environment has led to stricter environmental regulation of waste treatment. The costs of waste disposal have consequently risen, and with increased volumes of waste, landfill space can be regarded as a scarce resource. It is thus clear that a general policy on waste management should reduce the levels of waste that are created. Recent policy attention on packaging calls for an economic evaluation of proposed measures and policy options. The proposal of producer responsibility for the take-back of packaging is in its nature an command and control approach to the problem. The regulatory agency stipulates a goal, with or without a basis in social cost-benefit analysis and this goal has to be reached by all concerned. It leaves little flexibility as to which method to be used to reach reductions in waste. The economic instruments used in Sweden - a deposit-refund system and a beverage container charge, are analysed. Trippage rates for glass containers are shown on page 28.
