Recycling Program Design, Management, and Participation: A National Survey of Municipal Experience

How can municipalities maximize and sustain citizen participation in solid waste recycling programs? David H. Folz tackled this question through a research project conducted in 1990. Based on survey responses from 264 recycling coordinators, Folz provides empirical evidence about what program strategies have worked best. "Democratizing" the planning and design process for programs had a significant impact on citizen participation, as did mandating participation in recycling. But even voluntary programs worked well when combined with other implementation strategies, such as curbside delivery, the use of private contractors, public education programs, and the provision of free bins. Other useful strategies included specific goal setting for recycling programs and composting programs. Two strategies that did not have a significant impact on citizen participation were same day pickup of recyclables and permitting the comingling of recyclable materials.