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Evaluating the effects of unit based waste disposal schemes on the collection of household recyclables in Ontario, Canada

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  • Lakhan, Calvin

Abstract

This study examines the effects of pay as you throw schemes (PAYT) on municipal recycling rates in Ontario, Canada. Using a combination of panel and semi-structured survey data from provincial municipalities, focus is placed on analyzing: (a) the effects of PAYT systems on municipal recycling rates, (b) the relationship between mandatory recycling legislation and the effectiveness of PAYT policy, (c) the impact of Ontario's “one Blue Box per household” provision on PAYT schemes and (d) whether the presence of PAYT systems significantly modify household recycling behavior. The results of the analysis show that while the implementation of PAYT schemes does increase municipal recycling rates, there are opportunities for further improvement. In Ontario, the effectiveness of PAYT policy is impaired by inconsistent enforcement and the inadequate capacity of household recycling bins (“blue bins”).

Suggested Citation

  • Lakhan, Calvin, 2015. "Evaluating the effects of unit based waste disposal schemes on the collection of household recyclables in Ontario, Canada," Resources, Conservation & Recycling, Elsevier, vol. 95(C), pages 38-45.
  • Handle: RePEc:eee:recore:v:95:y:2015:i:c:p:38-45
    DOI: 10.1016/j.resconrec.2014.12.005
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Thomas C. Kinnaman, 2006. "Policy Watch: Examining the Justification for Residential Recycling," Journal of Economic Perspectives, American Economic Association, vol. 20(4), pages 219-232, Fall.
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    4. Thomas C. Kinnaman & Don Fullerton, 1997. "Garbage and Recycling in Communities with Curbside Recycling and Unit-Based Pricing," NBER Working Papers 6021, National Bureau of Economic Research, Inc.
    5. Robin R. Jenkins, 1993. "The Economics Of Solid Waste Reduction," Books, Edward Elgar Publishing, number 248.
    6. Scott J. Callan & Janet M. Thomas, 2006. "Analyzing Demand For Disposal And Recycling Services: A Systems Approach," Eastern Economic Journal, Eastern Economic Association, vol. 32(2), pages 221-240, Spring.
    7. Breusch, T S & Pagan, A R, 1979. "A Simple Test for Heteroscedasticity and Random Coefficient Variation," Econometrica, Econometric Society, vol. 47(5), pages 1287-1294, September.
    8. Sidique, Shaufique F. & Lupi, Frank & Joshi, Satish V., 2010. "The effects of behavior and attitudes on drop-off recycling activities," Resources, Conservation & Recycling, Elsevier, vol. 54(3), pages 163-170.
    9. Sidique, Shaufique F. & Joshi, Satish V. & Lupi, Frank, 2010. "Factors influencing the rate of recycling: An analysis of Minnesota counties," Resources, Conservation & Recycling, Elsevier, vol. 54(4), pages 242-249.
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    Cited by:

    1. Carmen van der Merwe & Martin de Wit, 2021. "An In-Depth Investigation into the Relationship Between Municipal Solid Waste Generation and Economic Growth in the City of Cape Town," Working Papers 07/2021, Stellenbosch University, Department of Economics, revised 2021.
    2. Xueping Wu & Liping Zhang & Jianhua Huang & Wei Li & Yanhua Chen & Wenhai Qiu, 2021. "Evolutionary Game Analysis on Behavioral Strategies of Government and Residents in Municipal Household Waste Separation," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(20), pages 1-19, October.
    3. Lakhan, Calvin, 2016. "The relationship between municipal waste diversion incentivization and recycling system performance," Resources, Conservation & Recycling, Elsevier, vol. 106(C), pages 68-77.

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