Supporting Policy Tools
Want to improve your recycling program? Unsure how to move the needle?
The Carton Council works to maximize the number of gable top and aseptic cartons recycled. This requires strong recycling programs and participation. Over the years, the Carton Council has found that certain policies are particularly effective in strengthening recycling programs and incentivizing individuals to participate. We’ve created several tools to assist local governments and others in developing and executing policies to improve recycling programs and boost the recycling of all commodities.
Feel free to download, print, and share these materials. They have been created to be utilized in presentations, informational packets to elected officials or via newsletters. The tools should be suitable for all types and sizes of communities.
Approaches to increase funding for recycling that can be supported by industry and other key stakeholders, and that can effectively “move the needle” to increase recycling levels.
Recycling helps communities environmentally as well as economically. This fact sheet describes why strong recycling programs are important. This information is often helpful in securing program support from elected officials.
These infographics broadly show how specific policies can help bring about various desirable recycling program attributes.
Hauler Licensing is one approach to ensuring that haulers provide a certain level of service, even if the municipality does not provide the service directly or contract for service. This tool describes a variety of permitting and licensing approaches, with examples and links to ordinances, and a description of associated best practices.
Use of “Pay-as-You-Throw” variable rate user fees has proven to incentivize recycling and reduced generation of less waste. This fact sheet describes different ways PAYT can been implemented and results experienced in different U.S. communities. It also addresses concerns decision makers may have about PAYT.
“Universal recycling” generally means that recycling is available wherever trash disposal is available. This tool describes different approaches to implementing universal recycling undertaken by various local governments, with links to applicable ordinances.
No two ordinances are exactly alike, nor should they be. This tool provides a broad description of sample ordinances from various types of communities throughout the U.S., along with specific nuances in the ordinances that communities might want to consider. Links to the applicable ordinances are also provided.
Drafting and implementing a local ordinance can be intimidating. This tool provides a step-by-step guide for doing so, with some tips for success.
With operational costs increasing and recycling revenues declining, many communities are seeking additional funding for their programs. Included are a variety of mechanisms used to fund recycling programs – often along with other solid waste services – in communities across the U.S.
Disposal surcharges, when implemented using best practices, are a tried-and-true means of funding recycling and other sustainable materials management programs, which can serve to disincentivize disposal.
Please contact us at Carton.Recycling@hkstrategies.com if you would like further information, are interested in becoming involved in our efforts or have ideas you would like to share about how to advance recycling.