THE ECONOMICS OF MUNICIPAL RECYCLING: A PRELIMINARY ANALYSIS

摘要: INTRODUCTION Recycling is an increasingly popular strategy for dealing with the solid waste imperatives common to many US localities.(1) Whether faced dwindling landfill capacity, rising charges disposal or tougher federal, state, and county management policies, appeal of recycling lies in its potential be a primary method, along source reduction composting managing municipal stream (Blumberg Gottlieb, 1989). can help control sky-rocketing costs incineration by diverting significant proportion produced locally. Some observers characterize this growing volume increasing cost disposing it as "solid crisis" (Good et al., 1991).(2) While actual diversion depends upon composition locality's market various materials, one estimate suggests that over 80% typical technically recycled composted (Denison Ruston, 1990:1). For citizens concerned about quality local environment conservation natural resources, presents tangible, intrinsically satisfying way participate solving environmental problem which everyone contributes (De Young, 1986). Its remarkable embrace hundreds communities across country signifies fundamental shift policy (Folz, 1991a; West, Feiock, Lee, 1992). Clearly, more than fleeting eco-fashion; coproduced service has strengthen citizens' commitment community forge stronger bond between administrators 1991b; Brudney, 1990; Levine, 1984; Frederickson, 1982). The premier challenge officials deliver on promise within constraints imposed available fiscal resources. must compete other, equally programs portion budgets already stressed bridled revenue shortfalls. size, scope, type program determine capital investment operating budget required. Substantial cutbacks some nation's largest cities are only most widely publicized events pattern growth state government expenditures (Watson, 1991). When strapped cash, funds planning, technical assistance, public education, marketing particularly vulnerable since these efforts typically yield measurable dividends period longer annual cycle. To justify, defend preserve priority spending advocates would bargaining position if they document benefits program. Revenues from sale recovered materials rarely recoup but Denison Ruston (1990:105) observe, assessments predicated assumption "must entirely self-supporting reclaimed before qualify legitimate option." Calculation both full range "avoided costs" attributable will accurate estimates economic value "provide cost-effective rationale financial support such needs order reach goals capable achieving" 1989:215). This article examines several issues germane evaluation economics recovery How do fund their programs? much different types cost? Why have lower unit similar generated sales? …