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Recycling Policies, Behavior and Convenience: Survey Evidence from the CalRecycle Program
Author(s) -
Berck Peter,
Blundell Marshall,
Englander Gabriel,
Gold Samantha,
He Shelley,
Horsager Janet,
Kaplan Scott,
Sears Molly,
Stevens Andrew,
Trachtman Carly,
Taylor Rebecca,
VillasBoas Sofia B.
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
applied economic perspectives and policy
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.4
H-Index - 49
eISSN - 2040-5804
pISSN - 2040-5790
DOI - 10.1002/aepp.13117
Subject(s) - business , value (mathematics) , marketing , computer science , machine learning
AB2020 established a deposit‐refund system in California, where consumers are reimbursed the California Redemption Value (CRV) upon recycling eligible containers at a recycling center. We study recycling under this policy, focusing on consumer convenience, reported recycling and diversion behavior, and responses to changes in the CRV amount. We find that consumers prefer nearby centers with flexible operating hours and short waiting times. While the CRV induces recycling, an increase in CRV would not lead to major recycling increases, given the limited number of containers entering trash streams. Finally, most diverted containers are taken from trash streams, not curbside recycling bins.