Recycling: Additional Efforts Could Increase Municipal Recycling

摘要

Although recycling can generate environmental and economic benefits, the national recycling rate has increased only slightly since 2000, according to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). While local governments have the primary role in operating recycling programs, EPA and the Department of Commerce (Commerce) have some legal responsibilities for encouraging recycling. GAO was asked to (1) identify key practices cities are using to increase recycling, (2) describe what EPA and Commerce are doing to encourage recycling, and (3) identify federal policy options that could help increase recycling. GAO interviewed recycling coordinators in 11 large cities about key practices and 13 additional recycling stakeholders about policy options. GAO selected both groups based on geographic representation and recycling expertise, among other factors. To better evaluate the impact of EPAs recycling programs, GAO recommends that EPA establish performance measures and gather performance data on those measures. GAO also recommends that Commerce develop and implement a strategy to help stimulate the development of markets for recycled materials in the United States. In commenting on the draft report, EPA agreed with the recommendation and Commerce did not directly address the recommendation.