"Innovations" Case Studies

Curbside Recycling, the Next Generation: A Model for Local Government Recycling and Waste Reduction

Americans now have access to curbside collection of a myriad of recyclable materials. More Americans now recycle than vote. California was an early leader in the tremendous growth in this sector of the recycling industry. Curbside recycling programs were developed in most communities in California after the passage of the Integrated Waste Management Act.

Hundreds of millions of dollars have been invested in recycling by both the public and private sector during the past decade. These investments include collection vehicles and processing facilities to make curbside recycling an everyday reality for most Californians. However, the programs that were developed in the late 1980s and early to mid 1990s have begun to be replaced by the next generation of curbside recycling programs.

Table of Contents

• General Information
• Costs, Economics, and Benefits
• Case Study: San Francisco Fantastic Three
• Implementation and Tips for Replication
• For More Information

Summary of this publication | Download this publication

Credits/Disclaimer

Gary Liss & Associates, Skumatz Economic Research Associates, and the Institute for Local Self-Reliance prepared this study pursuant to contract IWM-C8028 ($198,633, included other services) with the University of California at Santa Cruz for a series of 24 studies and summaries. The Board would like to acknowledge the following individuals who assisted in the preparation of this document:

• Brenda Platt, Institute for Local Self-Reliance
• Lisa Skumatz, Skumatz Economic Research Associates
• Jack Macy and Robert Haley, City and County of San Francisco
• Bob Besso, Sunset Scavenger Company
• Robert Kohn, Tehama County
• Harold Duffy, City of Riverside
• Grahame Watts, City of Thousand Oaks

The statements and conclusions in this summary are those of the contractor and not necessarily those of the California Integrated Waste Management Board, its employees, or the State of California. In addition, the data in this report was provided by local sources but not independently verified.  The State and its contractors make no warranty, express or implied, and assume no liability for the information contained in this text. Any mention of commercial products, companies, or processes shall not be construed as an endorsement of such products or processes.

Innovations Home

Last updated: October 26, 2007