The Netherlands is rolling out some 6000 smart garbage cans that can only be used when residents scan an RFID-enabled ID card. Besides monitoring just how much rubbish people throw away, the bins will also measure and charge the user based on how much refuse they tossed.
Alongside the new garbage bins will be recycling bins that don’t charge a cent, and the program is designed to encourage users to buy and use products that can be recycled and hopefully reduce the number of thefts of city-issued cans. But given the choice of properly disposing of their rubbish — and being charged for their courtesy — or just tossing it on the ground and avoiding all the fees, there’s a good chance most residents are going to choose the latter, cheaper and easier route. [The Register via Ubergizmo]