Using Objective Characteristics to Target Household Recycling Policies

This article assesses the relative effects on household recycling across characteristics of individuals and their households, their counties, and the states in which they live. We use a representative United States sample of over 380,000 household observations to explore which factors promote or hinder recycling efforts. A clear theme emerges demonstrating the importance of measurable resources and economic motives that encourage individuals, households, counties, and states to support recycling. States have more recycling if they have laws requiring counties to provide recycling opportunities to their citizens, or impose bottle deposits, but less if their government or citizens are Republicans instead of Democrats. Recycling rates are lower among those who live in apartments, reside in a lower income area, or do not live in a county with a large population. Personal impediments to recycling include being divorced, separated, or widowed, too disabled to work, or having a child under six