Advance disposal fees (ADFs) are being presented as a method for reducing the disposal of certain materials and packages found in unicipal solid waste and for securing funds to bolster the solid waste management infrastructure. Generally speaking, the theory behind ADFs is that the cost of waste management of a product should be borne by the manufacturer/producer and conveyed to the consumer in the product's price. In theory, an ADF provides an incentive for both the manufacturer/producer and the consumer to consider waste management in their product selection decisions. Numerous states are considering ADFs along with many other approaches in an earnest attempt to find viable solutions for their solid waste management problems. Unfortunately, little is known about ADFs and their true value in meeting the waste reduction goals established by legislators and voters. Arthur D. Little, Inc., examined 28 state legislative bills which were representative of the several types of ADFs currently under consideration in several states. Conducted in 1991 , the study is an analysis of the different variables included in these bills; the degree of ease or difficulty for fair implementation; and the probable effectiveness of implementing the policies contained in these bills.