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Patterns in trash: Factors driving municipal recycling in Massachusetts

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  • Starr, Jared
  • Nicolson, Craig

Abstract

Municipal recycling rates are driven by a variety of factors. Yet how these factors influence recycling over time has not been thoroughly studied. We compile and analyze a panel dataset spanning 13-years of policy, program, and contextual (socioeconomic and demographic) variables for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. We find Pay-As-You-Throw (PAYT) to be the single most important factor influencing rates. In one time period, PAYT's effect varied by the type of recycling service (drop off, subscription, curbside) and increased recycling even more when paired with curbside pickup. Yet, across models, program designs that seek to make recycling more convenient, such as curbside pickup and single stream (the commingling of all recyclables in a single bin) are not as consistently beneficial as PAYT. Education level and median age are the most important contextual factors. Access to a Materials Recycling Facility is also an important driver of recycling rates. Our findings can inform municipal officials and waste managers as they seek to increase recycling.

Suggested Citation

  • Starr, Jared & Nicolson, Craig, 2015. "Patterns in trash: Factors driving municipal recycling in Massachusetts," Resources, Conservation & Recycling, Elsevier, vol. 99(C), pages 7-18.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:recore:v:99:y:2015:i:c:p:7-18
    DOI: 10.1016/j.resconrec.2015.03.009
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    3. Chenyu Lu & Yang Zhang & Hengji Li & Zilong Zhang & Wei Cheng & Shulei Jin & Wei Liu, 2020. "An Integrated Measurement of the Efficiency of China’s Industrial Circular Economy and Associated Influencing Factors," Mathematics, MDPI, vol. 8(9), pages 1-21, September.
    4. Willman, Kenneth W., 2015. "Information sharing and curbside recycling: A pilot study to evaluate the value of door-to-door distribution of informational literature," Resources, Conservation & Recycling, Elsevier, vol. 104(PA), pages 162-171.
    5. Romano, Giulia & Molinos-Senante, María & Carosi, Laura & Llanquileo-Melgarejo, Paula & Sala-Garrido, Ramón & Mocholi-Arce, Manuel, 2021. "Assessing the dynamic eco-efficiency of Italian municipalities by accounting for the ownership of the entrusted waste utilities," Utilities Policy, Elsevier, vol. 73(C).
    6. Shen, Famei & Li, Jie & Chen, Jianghang & Wang, Wangshuai, 2023. "Exploring young consumers’ intention to pay for shared express packaging: A multi-study analysis," Journal of Business Research, Elsevier, vol. 167(C).
    7. Miliute-Plepiene, Jurate & Hage, Olle & Plepys, Andrius & Reipas, Algirdas, 2016. "What motivates households recycling behaviour in recycling schemes of different maturity? Lessons from Lithuania and Sweden," Resources, Conservation & Recycling, Elsevier, vol. 113(C), pages 40-52.
    8. Baraldi, Anna Laura & Cantabene, Claudia & De Iudicibus, Alessandro, 2023. "Fighting crime for improved recycling: evaluating an anti-mafia policy on source separation of waste," MPRA Paper 120296, University Library of Munich, Germany.
    9. Ben Ma & Yixuan Jiang, 2022. "Domestic Waste Classification Behavior and Its Deviation from Willingness: Evidence from a Random Household Survey in Beijing," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(22), pages 1-20, November.
    10. Pollans, Lily Baum & Krones, Jonathan S. & Ben-Joseph, Eran, 2017. "Patterns in municipal food scrap programming in mid-sized U.S. cities," Resources, Conservation & Recycling, Elsevier, vol. 125(C), pages 308-314.

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