EXPLAINING THE GROWTH IN MUNICIPAL RECYCLING PROGRAMS: THE ROLE OF MARKET AND NONMARKET FACTORS

The implementation of thousands of municipal recycling programs in the U.S. has increased recycling's portion of solid waste from 10% to 30% during the years 1990-2000. However, the lack of accurate data has spurred a debate over whether the growth in recycling can be attributed to market or nonmarket factors. To address this issue, this paper conducts a benefit-cost analysis of a municipal recycling program. Results suggest recycling is costly, which makes it difficult to understand its popularity. It is suggested that local governments could be responding to households that perceive a benefit from recycling services. These benefits are estimated with a contingent valuation survey.

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  • Corporate Authors:

    American Public Works Association

    2345 Grand Boulevard, Suite 500
    Kansas City, MO  United States  64108-2625
  • Authors:
    • Kinnaman, T C
  • Publication Date: 2000-7

Language

  • English

Media Info

Subject/Index Terms

Filing Info

  • Accession Number: 00797577
  • Record Type: Publication
  • Files: TRIS
  • Created Date: Aug 2 2000 12:00AM