Recycling Behaviors

Recycling involves turning materials that would otherwise become waste into valuable resources. It involves collecting recyclable materials that would [Page 739]otherwise be considered waste; sorting and processing recyclable into raw materials, such as fibers; manufacturing raw materials into new products; and purchasing recycled products. These programs can be run by private organizations or by government entities and involve returning used bottles, cans, and newspapers to the curb or a collection facility. Such programs generate several financial, environmental, and social returns, which benefit both local and global arenas.

The recycling process begins by having a collection and processing system in place. The collection can be done by any of the four primary methods: curbside pickup, drop-off centers, buy-back centers, and deposit/refund programs. Regardless of the mode of collection, the recyclables are sent to a materials-recovery facility to be sorted and prepared into marketable commodities for manufacturing. After cleaning and separation, they are used for manufacturing. Increasingly, more products are being manufactured using total- or partial-recycled content. Common household goods such as newspapers and paper towels, aluminum, plastic and glass soft drink containers, steel cans, and plastic laundry detergent bottles are made of recycled materials.

Buying recycled products completes the recycling loop. All types of buyers, such as governments, businesses, and individual consumers, play significant roles in determining the success of the recycling process. A greater demand for environmentally friendly products will nudge manufacturers to continue meeting that demand by producing high-quality recycled products.

Although some municipalities benchmark recycling success by participation rates, others base their judgment on economic performance. Curbside programs are particularly subject to market swings and may be profitable in some years and incur losses in others. By signing long-term contracts with processors, local governments can moderate fluctuations in the market. Often, local governments ensure avoiding losses by limiting the types of products that are collected as recyclables. For example, the city of Albuquerque, New Mexico, collects paper, corrugated containers, steel, aluminum cans, and plastics at the curb, but residents who wish to recycle glass have to take it to one of 15 locations throughout the city. This policy enables the city to keep the recycling fee under $2 per month per household, and it is simultaneously able to divert about 20 percent of its waste stream.

Why Do Consumers Recycle?

Several studies have alluded to so-called green guilt as being the major reason why consumers recycle. This guilt refers to the feeling that consumers have when they believe they are not doing everything they can and should do to protect the environment. According to a survey conducted by the Opinion Research Corporation, 50 percent fewer U.S. residents admitted to having such feelings in 2010 than in 2009.

Studies show that most Americans recycle due to “green guilt, “a recognition of the benefits of being environmentally conscious, and a realization of cost savings. Most survey respondents indicated they would pay more for ecofriendly products or services.

Most Americans recognize the economic benefits of environmental consciousness, with nearly 80 percent indicating that they buy green because they see long-term cost savings. More than half of the respondents indicated a willingness to pay for ecofriendly [Page 740]products (57 percent) or services from ecoconscious companies (55 percent). Recycling household products has become increasingly more convenient as retailers, businesses, and community recycling programs have made it more convenient to drop off used items where consumers live, shop, and work.

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