Working Paper: NBER ID: w7326
Authors: Thomas C. Kinnaman; Don Fullerton
Abstract: This paper provides a broad overview of recent trends in solid waste and recycling, related public policy issues, and the economics literature devoted to these topics. Public attention to solid waste and recycling has increased dramatically over the past decade both in the United States and in Europe. In response, economists have developed models to help policy makers choose the efficient mix of policy levers to regulate solid waste and recycling activities. Economists have also employed different kinds of data to estimate the factors that contribute to the generation of residential solid waste and recycling and to estimate the effectiveness of many of the policy options employed.
Keywords: No keywords provided
JEL Codes: H71; Q28
Edges that are evidenced by causal inference methods are in orange, and the rest are in light blue.
| Cause | Effect |
|---|---|
| introduction of taxes on garbage disposal (L99) | reduced garbage production (L99) |
| introduction of subsidies for recycling (L99) | increased recycling (L99) |
| increases in disposal costs (L99) | growth of curbside recycling programs (L99) |
| decline in the number of landfills (L99) | increase in recycling rates (L99) |
| changes in public attitudes towards the environment (F64) | increase in curbside recycling programs (L99) |
| tipping fees (L99) | increase in recycling rates (L99) |