Unit-based municipal solid waste management policies: Drivers and barriers in Massachusetts

The objective of this study is to understand the drivers and barriers in implementing unit-based solid waste management programs and policies in Massachusetts. The primary question is 'why don't more communities implement unit-based systems in their solid waste management programs' when one third of the municipalities in the state already do so, and significant support and resources for unit-based systems are provided by the state's environmental protection agency. A subset of issues such as policy impacts on low-income individuals and households; effects on illegal dumping, solid waste disposal volumes and recycling rates; and communities' views of successes and failures of programs already in place, is included in the analysis. Recycling rates of towns with and without programs, as well as rates before and after implementation are examined; spatial analysis of current and previous landfill and incinerator proximities to towns with and without programs; and individual case studies for towns with and without programs are presented. Results of the demographic analyses showed only total population has a positive effect on unit-based pricing policies enacted at the municipal level. Towns with unit-based programs on average have a 12% higher recycling rate and recycling rates are related to unit-based pricing policies enacted at the municipal level. Communities also see on average a 9% increase in recycling rate immediately following program implementation. Case study analyses found some of the following barriers to policy implementation: no political will, disconnect between residents and community leaders, administrative constraints, resistance or lack of interest from residents, lack of proper supporting programs, and concerns about effects on low-income and elderly populations. In addition to finding various tactics for implementing successful programs, the analyses also found the main drivers for policy implementation was a current or upcoming change in disposal waste fees and lack of funding for other essential public services. Benefits of unit-based policies include environmental and resource conservation, economic advantages, and greater equity across income levels.