PAYT, go small

One detail in the Pay As You Throw (away) waste disposal plan seems wrong to me: the minimum size container for household garbage is 64 gallons. That's huge - it's almost ten gallons a day, which is one Texas sized ten gallon hat's worth. We have been easily managing with one 32 gallon trash container now week after week and often that isn't particularly full. There are two of us but even when we have guests we have managed. I do take recyclables to the drop off center at Eleele every month or so which is easy, it's right by the Big Save and takes just a few minutes.

I think they should offer a smaller option - 32 gallon - at a very low price. It can be done: there are garbage services that have 10 or 20 gallon minimums (see for example) so I strongly encourage Kauai to set high expectations for minimal garbage. Some will take the challenge as the right thing to do, others to save a little money - either way it's a good thing.

I read the plan briefly but did not see detailed explanation of the reasoning and still think my suggestion makes better sense. I wrote to the Solid Waste Program Coordinator of the County of Kaua'i Solid Waste Division: they were kind enough to write back at length but basically said they have a plan created by experts and are sticking to it. They seem convinced that 32 gallons of waste is unreasonably small for most Kauaians until they institute curbside recycling. I'm no expert but here is my reasoning:

1. It sounds like the only reason not to have 32 gallon in Phase 1 is an assumption that nobody will use it - I certainly would and I often see one can out at curbside. What data suggests it is not worth the effort to offer 32 gallon?
2. Even if 32 gallon is not popular, in Phase 2 you need those containers anyway so why not get them sooner for people who want to reduce?
3. In Phase 2 as people start using 32 gallon you have extra larger containers now that need conversion - why not skip this step altogether when you can?
4. The plan notes a few households will remain on manual collection and many already have 32 gallon containers already I would think.
5. It sets an aggressive goal for reducing land fill sooner than later.
6. It is consistent with PAYT philosophy of saving more money the less garbage you produce.
7. For smaller size families and people living alone we should give them a break on cost since they impose a lesser burden on collection and landfill resources.
8. It sends a positive message as something to shoot for and people will see that others are doing it and it can be done.

Don't underestimate people making an effort both to do the right thing as well as to save a few bucks.
That's the argument for it which seems solid to me.