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Effects of norms and policy incentives on household recycling: An international comparison

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  • Halvorsen, Bente

Abstract

Increased household recycling is a policy goal in many countries. Household recycling is, to a large extent, based on voluntary efforts. It is thus interesting to understand the mechanisms behind household voluntary contributions to recycling, and how they are affected by various policy measures. In this study, we describe the differences in factors affecting household recycling activities across 10 OECD countries. We find that the most important motivations for household recycling are the belief that recycling is good for the environment and that recycling is a civic duty. Increasing the supply of recycling services has a significant effect on household recycling, and door-to-door collection and drop-off centres are the two most effective methods in this respect. Furthermore, the results indicate that the design of monetary incentives may be important to avoid crowding out of morally motivated voluntary contributions, illustrated by the Korean success with volume-based fees.

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  • Halvorsen, Bente, 2012. "Effects of norms and policy incentives on household recycling: An international comparison," Resources, Conservation & Recycling, Elsevier, vol. 67(C), pages 18-26.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:recore:v:67:y:2012:i:c:p:18-26
    DOI: 10.1016/j.resconrec.2012.06.008
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    Cited by:

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    4. Struk, Michal, 2017. "Distance and incentives matter: The separation of recyclable municipal waste," Resources, Conservation & Recycling, Elsevier, vol. 122(C), pages 155-162.
    5. López-Mosquera, Natalia & Lera-López, Fernando & Sánchez, Mercedes, 2015. "Key factors to explain recycling, car use and environmentally responsible purchase behaviors: A comparative perspective," Resources, Conservation & Recycling, Elsevier, vol. 99(C), pages 29-39.
    6. Fielding, Kelly S. & van Kasteren, Yasmin & Louis, Winnifred & McKenna, Bernard & Russell, Sally & Spinks, Anneliese, 2016. "Using individual householder survey responses to predict household environmental outcomes: The cases of recycling and water conservation," Resources, Conservation & Recycling, Elsevier, vol. 106(C), pages 90-97.
    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. Byrne, Susan & O’Regan, Bernadette, 2014. "Attitudes and actions towards recycling behaviours in the Limerick, Ireland region," Resources, Conservation & Recycling, Elsevier, vol. 87(C), pages 89-96.
    9. Dias, Nilmara & Máximo, Angela & Belo, Nuno & Carvalho, M. Teresa, 2014. "Packaging glass contained in the heavy residual fraction refused by Portuguese Mechanical and Biological Treatment plants," Resources, Conservation & Recycling, Elsevier, vol. 85(C), pages 98-105.
    10. Feiyu Chen & Fang Wang & Jing Hou, 2020. "Individual Preference Framework or Group Preference Framework? Which Will Regulate the Impact Path of Product Facilities on Residents’ Waste-Sorting Behavior Better," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(7), pages 1-19, March.
    11. Yang, Xisi & Thøgersen, John, 2022. "When people are green and greedy: A new perspective of recycling rewards and crowding-out in Germany, the USA and China," Journal of Business Research, Elsevier, vol. 144(C), pages 217-235.
    12. Moh, YiingChiee & -->Abd Manaf, Latifah, 2017. "Solid waste management transformation and future challenges of source separation and recycling practice in Malaysia," Resources, Conservation & Recycling, Elsevier, vol. 116(C), pages 1-14.

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Household recycling; Norms; International comparison;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • C21 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Single Equation Models; Single Variables - - - Cross-Sectional Models; Spatial Models; Treatment Effect Models
    • H42 - Public Economics - - Publicly Provided Goods - - - Publicly Provided Private Goods

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