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Is incineration repressing recycling?

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  • Yamamoto, Masashi
  • Kinnaman, Thomas C.

Abstract

Recycling rates increased rapidly in the United States and across the developed world in the 1980s and 1990s but have remained relatively flat in many countries since about 2005. Could increases in incineration and a possible ”feed the beast” mentality associated with efficient incineration make the recycling of some materials obsolete? In this paper, a conceptual model is delivered to better explain the possible trade-off. The model is then tested using novel data in Japan that includes both unused excess incineration capacity and recycling rates across municipalities and across time. Results suggest that, when controlling for other variables, excess incineration capacity indeed reduces recycling. These results suggest that future planned increases in recycling may be frustrated by increases in incineration.

Suggested Citation

  • Yamamoto, Masashi & Kinnaman, Thomas C., 2022. "Is incineration repressing recycling?," Journal of Environmental Economics and Management, Elsevier, vol. 111(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:jeeman:v:111:y:2022:i:c:s0095069621001364
    DOI: 10.1016/j.jeem.2021.102593
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

    1. Thomas C. Kinnaman & Masashi Yamamoto, 2023. "Has Incineration Replaced Recycling? Evidence from OECD Countries," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(4), pages 1-12, February.
    2. Nadezhda Kvasha & Olga Bolotnikova & Ekaterina Malevskaia-Malevich, 2023. "Biotechnological Basis of the Pulp and Paper Industry Circular Economic System," Economies, MDPI, vol. 11(12), pages 1-13, December.
    3. Hui Feng & Yirong Li & Renyan Mu & Lei Wu, 2023. "The Impact of Investment Efficiency in the Digital Economy on Urban Waste Reduction: Evidence from China," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(24), pages 1-15, December.
    4. Xi Sun, 2023. "The Role of Carbon Pricing in Promoting Material Recycling: A Model of Multi-Market Interactions," Discussion Papers of DIW Berlin 2034, DIW Berlin, German Institute for Economic Research.

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