Why Do We Recycle?: Markets, Values, and Public Policy [Paperback]

Frank Ackerman (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 1559635053 | ISBN-13: 978-1559635059 | Publication Date: December 1, 1996 | Edition: 1

The earnest warnings of an impending "solid waste crisis" that permeated the 1980s provided the impetus for the widespread adoption of municipal recycling programs. Since that time America has witnessed a remarkable rise in public participation in recycling activities, including curbside collection, drop-off centers, and commercial and office programs. Recently, however, a backlash against these programs has developed. A vocal group of "anti-recyclers" has appeared, arguing that recycling is not an economically efficient strategy for addressing waste management problems.In "Why Do We Recycle?" Frank Ackerman examines the arguments for and against recycling, focusing on the debate surrounding the use of economic mechanisms to determine the value of recycling. Based on previously unpublished research conducted by the Tellus Institute, a nonprofit environmental research group in Boston, Massachusetts, Ackerman presents an alternative view of the theory of market incentives, challenging the notion that setting appropriate prices and allowing unfettered competition will result in the most efficient level of recycling. Among the topics he considers are: externality issues -- unit pricing for waste disposal, effluent taxes, virgin materials subsidies, advance disposal fees the landfill crisis and disposal facility siting container deposit ("bottle bill") legislation environmental issues that fall outside of market theory calculating costs and benefits of municipal recycling programs life-cycle analysis and packaging policy -- Germany's "Green Dot" packaging system and producer responsibility the impacts of production in extractive and manufacturing industries composting and organic wastemanagement economics of conservation, and material use and long-term sustainability Ackerman explains why purely economic approaches to recycling are incomplete and argues for a different kind of decisionmaking, one that addresses social issues, future as well as present resource needs, and non-economic values that cannot be translated into dollars and cents.Backed by empirical data and replete with specific examples, the book offers valuable guidance for municipal planners, environmental managers, and policymakers responsible for establishing and implementing recycling programs. It is also an accessible introduction to the subject for faculty, students, and concerned citizens interested in the social, economic, and ethical underpinnings of recycling efforts.

Product Details

• Paperback: 222 pages
• Publisher: Island Press; 1 edition (December 1, 1996)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1559635053
• ISBN-13: 978-1559635059
• Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 5.9 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 9.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,417,001 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #46 in Books > Science & Math > Environment > Recycling

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An excellent readable work,balanced with supporting data., February 20, 1997

By A Customer

This review is from: Why Do We Recycle?: Markets, Values, and Public Policy (Hardcover)

This short book supplies technical and cost data that allows a reader to make his own judgement.An author who has seen and developed the data over many years.Ackerman is a supporter of homeowner recycling.However, he notes how exaggerated or "feel good" recycling can itself be wasteful, and stresses that practices like source reduction are often superior to recyclong