This article was first published in the January 2016 issue of WIRED magazine. Be the first to read WIRED's articles in print before they're posted online, and get your hands on loads of additional content by subscribing online.
Margaret Bates
Prof. of Sustainable Wastes Management, University of Northampton "It will be the householders' responsibility to pay for their waste. 'Pay as you throw' is internationally effective and likely to be the way to hit new EU recycling targets. Waste collections will be monthly at most. People will know the cost of waste and expect businesses not to pass waste on to them.
There will be a reduction in the export of waste-derived fuels. People will know the value of their waste and expect it be used to generate heat, electricity and cooling. Those who flout the rules will be fined or imprisoned proportionately to the impact of their crime."
Per-Lage Götvall
Project manager, Volvo Project ROAR "Smart machines will help with a wide range of society's activities, because there will be a greater need for low-impact, safe and efficient movement of waste.
Urban living will see an increased convergence of connected systems, vehicles and infrastructure -- including the automation of waste collection. Our Project ROAR, for instance, will connect the waste-collection trucks' operating system with robotic waste-bin handling."
Luca Menesini
Mayor, City of Capannori, Italy "The future of waste management is more dependent on the awareness of companies and citizens, and on the authorities' ability to convey the idea that the best way to manage rubbish is by producing less of it in the first place. We adopted this strategy by encouraging recycling and reusing on the one hand, and reduction of waste on the other.
Recycling, reusing and reducing will bring about a 'circular economy' model that would allow us to attain a fully sustainable society."
Nate Morris
Co-founder and CEO, Rubicon "The answer to disrupting an antiquated industry with misaligned incentives is in transparency and competition: by empowering independent hauliers and recyclers to grow their businesses. Connecting customers vendors will make diverting waste from landfills economically compelling.
This will allow companies to reduce expenses, track metrics and render landfill obsolete. Sensors will collect data for better supply chain decisions."
Kathleen Ligocki
CEO, Harvest Power "The future is organic waste -- and it's at your fingertips. It's on your plate: the spicy pepper and discarded crust. It's on your chopping board: carrot tops, potato nubs and apple cores. And it's in your fridge: wilted lettuce, forgotten buns and that weird jam from Aunt Matilda.
Organic waste can, through anaerobic digestion, be used to power homes and vehicles. Organic waste is a source of energy and nutrients that we currently send to landfills."
This article was originally published by WIRED UK
