Problems of the US Recycling Programs: What Experienced Recycling Program Managers Tell

Author:

Turner Keanah1,Kim Younsung1

Affiliation:

1. Environmental Science and Policy, George Mason University, Fairfax, VA 22030, USA

Abstract

Recycling is a cornerstone of waste management. Despite its significance and growing interest, the US recycling rate has stagnated at around 35% for more than the past decade. In this study, we investigate an effective waste collection method as well as factors that may negatively affect recycling program management as a proxy measure of the recycling rate. To this end, recycling program managers and coordinators were surveyed since they play a pivotal role in the flow of recyclable materials. We found a combination of curbside and drop-off recycling to be the most cost-effective, but when managers’ experience level is factored in, the perceived significance of the combination approach decreases. Concerning barriers to recycling, we found that market variability for recycled materials, insufficient public participation in waste collection, and knowledge of best practices are critical inhibiting factors. In addition, China’s complete ban on waste import by 2030, an organizational framing effect of recycling, and a strong need for public education and outreach activities about recycling have emerged as new problems for recycling. Our findings point out recycling systems that reduce those setbacks to improve recycling performance and increase the recycling rate.

Publisher

MDPI AG

Reference47 articles.

1. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (2023, September 09). Advancing Sustainable Materials Management: Fact Sheet, Available online: https://www.epa.gov/sites/production/files/2019-11/documents/2017_facts_and_figures_fact_sheet_final.pdf.

2. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (2023, November 21). Measuring Recycling: A Guide for State and Local Governments, Available online: https://archive.epa.gov/wastes/conserve/tools/recmeas/web/pdf/guide.pdf.

3. Shahnawaz, M., Sangale, M.K., and Ade, A.B. (2019). Bioremediation Technology for Plastic Waste, Springer.

4. Lester, J.P. (1995). Environmental Politics & Policy: Theories and Evidence, Duke University Press.

5. Kraft, M.E., and Kamieniecki, S. (2012). Oxford Handbook of U.S. Environmental Policy, Oxford University Press.

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