A cost benefit analysis of residential curbside recycling

Abstract

Many communities across North America have initiated bluebox recycling programs in the past decade. This report determines the cost, and the benefits that can be expected from residential recycling. The report first focuses on the costs associated with bluebox recycling to the community and to the owner of the materials processing facility. These costs will be determined and the current market situation for the resale of materials will be discussed. The benefits that are being achieved to society from the recycling of residential waste are then determined. The benefits studied in this report include: Diversion of waste from the landfill site, environmental impact reduction at the landfill, job creation, public awareness, and substitution of virgin materials by recycled materials in the manufacturing of new products. The impact residential recycling has on each of these associated benefits will be determined.