recycling in elko county: current situation and opportunities · this project were provided by the...
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TECHNICAL REPORT
UCED 94-07
RECYCLING IN ELKO COUNTY:
CURRENT SITUATION
AND OPPORTUNITIES
UNIVERSITY OF NEVADA, RENO
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Recycling in Elko County:
Current Situation
and
Opportunities
Study Conducted by
Thomas R. Harris
Karl A. McArthur
and
Tracy Echeverria
Thomas R. Harris is a Professor in the Department of Agricultural Economics and Director of theUniversity Center for Economic Development at the University of Nevada, Reno.
Karl A. McArthur is a Research Associate in the Department of Agricultural Economics at theUniversity of Nevada, Reno.
Tracy Echeverria is a Management Consultant in the Small Business Development Center at theNorthern Nevada Community College.
March 1995
UNIVERSITYOF NEVADA
RENO
The University of Nevada, Reno is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer and does not discriminate on the basis ofrace color religion sex age creed national origin veteran status physical or mental disability and in accordance with university policysexual orientation in any program or activity it operates. The University of Nevada employs only United States citizens and alienslawfully authorized to work in the United States.
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This publication, Recycling in Elko County: CurrentSituation and Opportunities was published by theUniversity of Nevada Economic Development Center.Funds for the publication were provided by the UnitedStates Department of Commerce Economic DevelopmentAdministration under University Centers Programcontract #07-06-03262-94. Also funds for research forthis project were provided by the Nevada Department ofEnvironmental Protection. This publication's statements,findings, conclusions, recommendations, and/or datarepresent solely the findings and views of the authors anddo not necessarily represent the views of the UnitedStates Department of Commerce, the EconomicDevelopment Administration, Nevada Division ofEnvironmental Protection and University of Nevada orany reference sources used or quoted by this study.Reference to research projects, programs, books,magazines, or newspaper articles does not imply anendorsement or recommendation by the authors unlessotherwise stated. Correspondence regarding thisdocument should be sent to:
Thomas R. Harris, DirectorUniversity Center for Economic Development
University of Nevada, RenoDepartment of Agricultural Economics
Mail Stop 204Reno, Nevada 89557-0105
UCEDUniversity of Nevada, Reno
Nevada Cooperative ExtensionDepartment of Agricultural Economics
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RECYCLING IN ELKO COUNTY:
CURRENT SITUATION AND OPPORTUNITIES
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
This study was completed in cooperation with the Small Business Development Center atNorthern Nevada Community College and the Nevada Department of Environmental Protection.The study surveyed current recycling efforts in Elko County and from this survey developedpotentials for recycling in Elko County. Before a recycling industry could be encouraged tolocate or relocate in Elko County, a fairly detailed feasibility study should be completed.
BASELINE
• Population in Elko County increased from 17,272 in 1980 to 33,530 in 1990, or a populationincrease of ninety-four percent (94%).
• Population in the city of Elko increased from 11,451 in 1980 to 24,392 in 1990, or apopulation increase of one hundred and thirteen percent (113%).
• Unemployment rate for Elko County over the past five years peaked at 7.1 percent in January1988. Since then it has fluctuated between 6.5 percent and 3.3 percent.
• Nominal taxable sales for Elko County have shown a steady increase from 1988 to 1993.
• Real taxable sales for Elko County, that is, taxable sales net of inflation, showed a steadyincrease from 1988 to 1991. Real taxable sales decreased in 1992, but increased again in1993. However, 1993 real taxable sales in Elko County were less than real taxable sales in1991. For Elko County, the highest value for real taxable sales was $404 million in 1991followed by $401 million in 1993.
CURRENT RECYCLING ACTIVITIES
• A questionnaire was developed and mailed to Elko County firms in the manufacturing, casino,mining and construction industries.
• Because most range livestock in Elko County are operated on open ranges, the use ofrecycled projects by agriculture in Elko County was not considered.
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• White office paper followed by computer paper and oil were the most frequent materialsidentified in a firm’s waste stream for Elko County.
• Mining operations reported tires as a primary product produced in their waste stream.
• Reasons why Elko County firms do not recycle are the costs of recycling and lack of pick uppoints for recyclable products. Given an absence of recycling firms in Elko County, apotential economic development opportunity may be a recycling industry.
FUTURE RECYCLING OPPORTUNITIES
• Firms replied that ten percent (10%) would not attend a Northern Nevada CommunityCollege workshop on recycling, however forty-five percent (45%) did not know if they wouldattend and forty-five percent (45%) replied that they would attend a seminar.
• Companies recycle because: First, there are environmental mandates. Second, they wish toimprove the environment.
• Most information about recycling was obtained through magazines and newspapers, theNevada Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
• Cost of recycling and lack of pick-up points were primary reasons for not recycling.Developing a local recycling industry may alleviate a lot of concern expressed locally.
• Because there is no information currently available locally concerning recycling, NorthernNevada Community College has a unique opportunity to provide education to local firmsconcerning recycling.
• Through these workshops, a local recycling industry may evolve to serve Elko Countybusiness.
• Local businesses replied that they would not pay extra for inputs from recyled products. Theyalso replied that they believe the customers would not pay extra for products produced fromrecycled products.
• Recyled inputs must be economically competitive with current material inputs if they are to beincorporated into Elko County business production schedules.
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RECYCLING IN ELKO COUNTY:
CURRENT SITUATION AND OPPORTUNITIES
Waste management policies have become important factors not only to the national
economy, but at the regional level as well. The popular 4R’s, Reducing, Reusing, Recycling and
Recovering, not only reduce the volume of waste flowing into landfill sites, but also conserve
renewable and non-renewable natural resources. These policies were introduced because of the
public’s concern over environmental problems, but these policies also impact the national and
local economy.
This study will investigate one of the four R’s, that of recycling. The study area will be
the northeastern rural county of Elko. This study will survey current recycling efforts and
investigate potential recycling opportunities in Elko County.
BASIC ECONOMIC DATA
Basic economic data for Elko County are presented in Tables 1 through 7. This
information will help decision makers understand current growth in Elko County and possible
impacts of recycling opportunities in the county. Elko County population has grown from 17,272
in 1980 to 33,530 in 1990 (Table 1). The population in the community of Elko has increased
from 11,451 in 1980 to 24,390 in 1990. Population by age and sex for 1990 are shown in Table
2. The unemployment rate over the last six years peaked at 7.1 percent in January 1988. Since
then the unemployment rate has fluctuated between 6.5 percent and 3.3 percent (Table 3).
Employment and income data for Elko County are presented in Tables 4 and 5.
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In Table 6, nominal and real taxable sales for Elko County are presented. Taxable sales
reflect trade activity in the county and offer a good indicator of economic activity in Elko County.
Nominal taxable sales for Elko County have shown a steady increase from 1988 to 1993. Real
taxable sales for Elko County, that is, taxable sales net of inflation, showed steady increase from
1988 to 1991, but real taxable sales decreased in 1992 and decreased again in 1993. For Elko
County, the highest real taxable sales occurred in 1991 at $404 million followed in 1993 at $401
million.
Table 7 shows 1990 Census data pertaining to population and housing for Elko County.
Elko County has 17,841 males and 15,689 females. The median age in Elko County is 29.4 years.
Elko County has 32.2 percent of their total population under 18 and 6.1 percent is 65 years and
over. There are a total of 11,777 households with 8,486 being family households, of which 7,035
are married couples. Five hundred and forty-seven households are males only and 904 are females
only. Elko County has 3,291 households that are non-family and 2,635 households that are living
alone. The average persons per household is 2.79.
The data shows there are 28,970 whites; 266 African Americans; 2,128 American Indian,
Eskimo or Aleut; 277 Asian and 4,339 Hispanic. Whites make up 86.4 percent of total
population; African American make up 0.8 percent; American Indian, Eskimo or Aleut 6.3
percent; Asian 0.8 percent and Hispanic make up 12.9 percent of total Elko County population.
Elko County has 13,461 total housing units with 7,592 units owner occupied, 4,185 rent
occupied, 1,682 vacant units and 395 units for seasonal, recreational or occasional use.
Homeowner vacancy rate is 2.4 percent and rental vacancy rate is 11.2 percent. Of the owner
occupied units, 434 are valued at less than $50,000; 2,461 are $50,000 to $99,000; 683 are
$100,000 to $149,000; 167 are $150,000 to $199,000; 52 are $200,000 to $299,000 and 23 are
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at $300,000 or more. The median value for owner occupied units is $81,600. Rental data shows
854 persons are paying less than $250 for rent; 2,093 are paying $250 to $499; 694 are paying
$500 to $749 and 41 persons are paying $750 or more for rental housing. The median rent is
$359 per month.
Out of the 11,777 occupied housing units, 10,483 are white; 37 are African American; 691
are American Indian, Eskimo or Aleut; 77 Asian and 1,241 Hispanic. Whites occupy 88 percent
of total housing units; African American occupy 0.3 percent; American Indian, Eskimo or Aleut
occupy 5.9 percent; Asians occupy 0.7 percent and Hispanics occupy 10.5 percent of the
occupied housing units.
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Table 1. Population Estimates by Community for Elko County, Nevada, 1980 and 1990.
1980 1990 Percent Change
Carlin 1,281 2,314 80.64
Elko 11,451 24,392 113.01
Jackpot 808 1,092 35.15
Jarbidge 38 132 247.37
Mountain City 1,194 1,323 10.80
Wells 1,882 1,981 5.26
Remainder of County 618 2,296 271.52
TOTAL 17,272 33,530 94.13
Source: 1980 and 1990 Census of Population
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Table 2. Population Estimates by Age and Sex for Elko County, Nevada, 1990.
Age in Years Male Female
0-4 1,654 1,6105-9 1,698 1,43410-14 1,431 1,38215-19 1,337 1,11220-24 1,245 1,11625-29 1,779 1,53630-34 1,732 1,59535-39 1,728 1,36540-44 1,270 1,06245-49 1,103 93250-54 800 67455-59 630 46260-64 464 38065-69 367 35570-74 229 26175-79 163 22680-84 98 12885+ 54 125
TOTAL 17,782 15,755
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Table 3. Labor Force Data for White Pine County, 1988-1992.
Employment Unemployment LaborForce
UnemploymentRate
January 1988 12,110 930 13,030 7.1%June 1988 14,710 520 15,240 3.4%January 1989 13,790 900 14,670 6.1%June 1989 15,310 740 16,050 4.6%January 1990 13,850 930 14,780 6.3%June 1990 15,360 650 16,010 4.0%January 1991 14,110 840 14,950 5.6%June 1991 15,710 530 16.240 3.3%January 1992 14,710 830 15,430 6.5%June 1992 15,940 1,000 16,940 5.9%
Source: Nevada Employment Security Department, Carson City, Nevada
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Table 4. Taxable Sales for Elko County, 1988-1992.
Year Nominal Taxable Sales Real Taxable Sales*
1988 $362,708,366 348,0886431989 405,497,243 370,994,7331990 452,378,375 393,714,8611991 484,289,779 403,911,4091992 473,978,551 382,549,2741993 508,190,706 401,414,460
Source: Annual Sales Tax Reports. Nevada Tax Commission, Various Issues
*Nominal values deflated by employing the implicit price deflator for personal consumption expenditure1987 = 100.
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Table 5. Employment by Major Economic Sector for Elko County, 1988-1992.
1988 1989 1990 1991 1992
Agriculture 1,127 1,093 1,131 922 928AgriculturalServices 136 142 159 177 177Mining 1,126 1,234 1,347 1,440 1,446
Construction 1,599 1,538 1,398 1,345 1,123
Manufacturing 177 215 200 200 200Transportation &Public Utilities &Communications
768 743 697 730 722
Wholesale Trade 450 572 713 724 666Retail Trade 2,355 2,839 2,771 2,747 2,928Finance, Insurance& Real Estate 748 793 851 786 738Services 6,474 7,228 7,578 7,782 8,218FederalGovernment,Civilian
355 359 379 371 395
FederalGovernment,Military
92 92 107 108 115
State and LocalGovernment 1,771 1,983 2,222 2,383 2,555
TOTAL 17,178 18,831 19,553 19,715 20,211
Source: Regional Economic Information System, Bureau of Economic Analysis, April, 1994.
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Table 6. Personal Income by Major Source for Elko County, 1988-1992.
1988 1989 1990 1991 1992
Total PersonalIncome($1,000)
487,009 579,855 620,927 670,111 724,034
SelectedCategories*
Net IndustryEarnings ($1,000) 389,166 461,760 495,181 534,738 576,477
Dividends, Interest& Rents ($1,000) 56,968 71,439 73,367 70,227 71,123
Transfer Payments($1,000) 40,875 46,656 52,379 65,146 76,434
Per Capita PersonalIncome (Dollars) 17,155 18,689 18,148 18,660 19,385
* Column total will not equal Total Personal Income value because of several small income items were omitted.
Source: Regional Economics Information System, Bureau of Economic Analysis, April, 1994.
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Table 7. Selected Population and Housing Characteristics - 1990, Elko County, Nevada
Total Population 33,530 Total Housing Units 13,461
SEX OCCUPANCY &TENURE
Male 17,841 Occupied Housing Units 11,777Female 15,689 Owner occupied 7,592
Percent owner occupied 64.5AGE Renter occupied 4,185Under 5 years 3,229 Vacant housing units 1,6845 to 17 years 7,581 For seasonal, recreational
or occasional use395
18 to 20 years 1,32621 to 24 years 1,886 Homeowner vacancy (%) 2.4%25 to 44 years 11,915 Rental vacancy rate (%) 11.1%45 to 54 years 3,55355 to 59 years 1,129 Persons per owner-
occupied unit2.93
60 to 64 years 869 Persons per renter-occupied unit
2.55
65 to 74 years 1,241 Units with over 1 personper room
1,007
75 to 84 years 62685 years and over 175 UNITS IN STRUCTUREMedian age 29.4 1-unit, detached 5,965
1-unit, attached 163Under 18 years 10,810 2 to 4 units 1,282Percent of TotalPopulation
32.2 5 to 9 units 470
65 years and over 2,042 10 or more units 495Percent of totalpopulation
6.1 Mobile home, trailer orother
5,086
HOUSEHOLDS BYTYPE
VALUE
Total households 11,777 Specified owner-occupiedunits
3,820
Family households(families)
8,486 Less than $50,000 434
Married-couple families 7,035 $$50,000 to $99,999 2,461
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Table 7. Continued. Source: 1990 Census
Percent of totalhouseholds
59.7 $100,000 to $149,999 683
Other family, malehousehold
547 $150,000 to $199,999 167
Other family, femalehousehold
904 $200,000 to $299,000 52
Nonfamily households 3,291 $300,000 or more 23Percent of totalhouseholds
27.9 Median (dollars) 81,600
Householder living alone 2,635Householder 65 years andover
629 CONTRACT RENT
Persons living inhouseholds
32,905 Renter-occupied unitspaying cash rent
3,682
Persons per household 2.79 Less than $250 854$250 to $499 2,093
GROUP QUARTERS $500 to $749 694Persons living in groupquarters
625 $750 to $999 36
Institutionalized persons 520 $1,000 or more 5Other persons in groupquarters
105 Median (dollars) 359
RACE & HISPANICORIGIN
RACE & HISPANICORIGIN OFHOUSEHOLDER
White 28,970 Occupied housing units 11,777Black 266 White 10,438Percent of totalpopulation
0.8 Black 37
American Indian, Eskimoor Aleut
2,128 Percent of occupied units 0.3
Percent of totalpopulation
6.3 American Indian, Eskimoor Aleut
691
Asian or Pacific Islander 277 Percent of occupied units 5.9Percent of totalpopulation
0.8 Asian or Pacific Islander 77
Other race 1,889 Percent of occupied units 0.7Hispanic origin (of anyrace)
4,339 Other race 534
Percent of totalpopulation
12.9 Hispanic origin (of anyrace)
1,241
Percent of occupied units 10.5
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OVERVIEW OF CURRENT RECYCLING EFFORTS IN ELKO COUNTY
A survey questionnaire was developed and sent to firms in the construction, mining,
manufacturing and casino industries. The questionnaire was used to obtain information pertaining
to current recycling practices and potentials for recycling in Elko County (Appendix A). The
agricultural sector was not surveyed because the majority of Elko County’s agricultural activity is
range cattle operations. Range cattle operations are characterized as open range where there are
no barns. Therefore, the use of recycled newspaper materials for cattle bedding in the open range
with windy conditions was judged to be unfeasible and no further investigations were made.
The industrial recycling questionnaire was sent to 60 firms and approximately 15 of the
completed questionnaires were usable. Even with the relatively low response rate, these
questionnaires give insight pertaining to current recycling efforts in Elko County and offer
information for recycle seminars.
Approximately two-thirds of the firms that responded said they currently recycle. Table 8
shows the distribution of waste generation materials and materials considered as recyclable
products by firms. White office paper was reported as the highest proportion of waste generation
by firms. Computer paper and oil followed as second highest waste generated by reporting firms.
From Table 8, substantial waste generation can be attributable to business office generation. Of
interest is that tires as a waste product were solely reported by the mining industry. Many of the
firms replied that an independent contractor visits their establishments to pick up recyclable
materials, presumably, paper and aluminum cans.
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For materials considered recyclable, white office paper was the most recognized by the
firms interviewed with aluminum products, computer paper and oil ranking second. This shows
that there may be areas for education if Elko firms are to recognize recyclable products.
It is also important to recognize why firms do not recycle. From the questionnaire, the
most important reason why they might not recycle is the cost of recycling and access to recycling
pickup points. These factors were followed by time required to prepare a product for recycling.
These statements are common for most rural businesses. Because of no or limited recycling
industries within their locale, the cost of recycling is expensive. Also, because of an absence of
recycling industry in most rural economics, the lack of recycling pick-up points reduces incentives
to recycle. Most Elko County businesses recycle whenever on independent contractor visits their
establishment.
Therefore, rural businesses in Elko County would recycle if an industry were available.
Most mining firms recycle their tires which may prove to be an economic development
opportunity for Elko County. In addition, many firms expressed a desire to recycle cardboard
boxes which may be another future business opportunity.
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Table 8. Materials in Waste Generation and Materials Considered Recyclable by Firms.
Percentage of Firms:
Materials Materials in WasteGeneration (%)
Materials ConsideredRecyclable (%)
Aluminum 56 67Glass 22 33Newspaper 33 56White Office Paper 78 78Computer Paper 67 67Plastic 22 33Tin Cans 11 33Oil 67 67Plastic Bags 22 22Tires 44 56Chemical 33 33Other 33 22
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Table 9. Proportion of Firm Responses Concerning Recycle Workshops Offered byNorthern Nevada Community College
Response Proportion of Firms
Would Not Attend Workshop10%
Do Not Know if They Would AttendWorkshop
45%
Would Attend Workshop45%
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FUTURE RECYCLING OPPORTUNITIES
With a national objective of recycling products, the opportunity for recycling in
Elko County is evident. The technology to recycle products is available, however, the ability of
Elko County business sector to incorporate the technology is lacking. This opens an opportunity
for Northern Nevada Community College to develop extension education programs to educate
the local populace and business sector on recycling and its use in the local economy. Also a result
of these seminars is that Elko County may nurture its very own recycling industry. From
questionnaire results, 10% replied that they would not attend a recycling workshop if offered by
Northern Nevada Community College, but 45% replied they did not know if they would attend a
seminar (Table 2). In order for successful seminars on recycling to be formulated by Northern
Nevada Community College, they must be offered at a time and place convenient to Elko County
businesses and the seminar subject must be of interest to industry. Currently Elko County
businesses are obtaining information on recycling primarily through magazines and newspapers
followed by the Nevada State Environmental Protection Agency and the National Environmental
Protection Agency. None replied that they obtained information on recycling from Northern
Nevada Community College which may signal an opportunity for the college and local SBDC.
When companies were asked why they recycle, there were two primary replies: to comply
with environmental regulations and to improve the environment. Air conditioning freon, grease,
oil and other chemicals were recycled because of federal mandates. Paper and aluminum cans
were recycled because of economic incentives. Finally, economic returns from recycled copper,
iron and batteries were large enough that firms recycled these products on their own.
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To enhance the opportunity for recycling, Elko County replied they would recycle if there
was a weekly pick-up, if the schedule for pick-ups was dependable and they had recycle storage
bins. Most replied that they would pay $15 to $20 per month for such a pick-up service.
However, if incorporating recycled products in their production operation, there is a reluctance if
it costs more than current material inputs. Also, firms believe customers would not pay more for
products which use recycled materials. Therefore, if any recycled goods industry does locate in
Elko County, its product must be able to compete economically with current material inputs.
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CONCLUSION
Recycling has become a major segment of waste management policies for the nation.
These policies have been investigated nationwide and in urban areas. This study attempts to
investigate recycling opportunities in a rural environment in the northeast Nevada county of Elko.
Many of the firms questioned were not currently interested in recycling. The mining
industry, however, has handled the issue of recycling in a more business-like manner and may
offer opportunities for business development in Elko County. Information from the survey
indicated a unique opportunity for the Small Business Development Center in the Northern
Nevada Community College to offer recycling workshops for Elko County businesses. These
seminars may change some local business perceptions pertaining to recycling and create interest in
a local recycling industry. Before a local recyled products industry can exist, its products must be
able to compete economically with current material inputs. A local recycling industry which pick-
ups and disposes of local Elko County business waste stream may offer opportunities.
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APPENDIX A
ELKO COUNTY RECYCLING QUESTIONNAIRE
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Cover Page for Interview
Company Name: ______________________________________
Address: ______________________________________
______________________________________
______________________________________
Contact Person: ______________________________________
Phone Number: ______________________________________
Date: ______________________________________
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Introduction: Hello, my name is ____________________. I am working with the NorthernNevada Community College and North East Economic Development Authority on a study ofrecycling. The purpose of the study is to estimate rates of adoption of recycling materials by ElkoCounty businesses and develop programs to enhance the use of recycled products. Thequestionnaire will ask you about your operation and use of recycled products. Your questionnairewill be held in strict confidence.
1. In your everyday operation, which materials that you use would you consider recyclable?
AluminumGlassNewspaperWhite Office PaperComputer PaperPlasticTin CansOilPlastic BagsTires
Chemical Waste
____________________________________________
____________________________________________
____________________________________________
Others
____________________________________________
____________________________________________
____________________________________________
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2. Are you currently involved in recycling?
Yes (Go to Question #8)No (Go to Question #3)Do not know (Go to Question #3)
3. Reasons for not recycling:
Do not use goods/materials that can be recycledAre not aware which goods and materials could be recycledCost associated with recyclingAccessibility of recycling outletsTime required to prepare goods for recyclingLack of knowledge as to how to set up an internal recycling programOther: ____________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
4. Even though your company currently does not recycle, would you be willing in the future topurchase goods/products with recyclable components?
YesMaybeNoDo not know
5. If your company in the future investigates the possibility of purchase vs. non-purchase ofrecycled products, what are the factors that would enter into your decision?
NotImportant
SomewhatImportant
Neutral Important VeryImportant
PriceQualityAccessibilityAbility todispose ofPositiveCompanyImage
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6. Referring to Question 5, if price is an important factor in your future consideration of use ofrecycled products, please answer the following:
a). Would you use recycled products if the per unit cost were the same as inputs currently in use?
YesNo
b.) Would you use recycled products if the per unit cost were 1% to 5% higher than current inputcosts?
YesNo
c.) Would you use recycled products if the per unit cost were greater than 5% higher than currentinput costs?
YesNo
7. Would you attend a seminar on recycling for business if offered by Northern NevadaCommunity College:
YesNoDo not know
Go to Question #17.
8.. Which goods/materials are you currently recycling?
AluminumGlassNewspaperWhite Office PaperComputer PaperPlasticTin CansOilPlastic BagsTires
question continues on next page
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Chemical Waste
____________________________________________
____________________________________________
____________________________________________
Others
____________________________________________
____________________________________________
9. Why do you recycle?
To comply with regulationsImprove the environmentPositive company imageTo serve an environmentally consciouscustomer groupFinancial gains from sale of recyclable productsDo not knowOther: ________________________________
______________________________________
______________________________________
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10. What has been your major source of information about recycling?
Magazines and newspaperOther businessesState of Nevada Environmental Protection AgencyU.S. Environmental Protection AgencyNorthern Nevada Community College programsOther: ________________________________________
______________________________________________
______________________________________________
11. Would you say your company consciously purchases goods/materials that are recyclable?
YesMaybeNoDo not know
12. Would you be willing to purchase goods/materials with recycled components?
YesMaybeNoDo not know
13. In your decision to purchase or not purchase recycled products, what are the factors thatentered into your decision?
NotImportant
SomewhatImportant
Neutral Important VeryImportant
PriceQualityAccessibilityAbility todispose ofPositiveCompanyImage
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14. If price from Question 13 is an important factor in your purchase of recyclable productsplease answer the following. (Please circle your answers).
a.) Was the cost of recycled inputs the same as inputs which had no recycled products?
YesNo
b.) Was cost of recycled inputs 1% to 5% higher than inputs which had no recycled products?
YesNo
c.) Was cost of recycled inputs 5% or higher than inputs which had no recycled products?
YesNo
15. Are consumers willing to pay more for outputs made from recycled products?
YesNo
16. Currently how do you dispose of your recyclables?
Collected by weekly trash pick-up for landfill disposal.Collected by independent contractor service for landfill disposalCollected by independent contractor service for recycling.Dropped off at recycling outletOther: ____________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
17. If given a definite location, would you be willing to drop off recyclables?
YesMaybeNoDo notknow
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18. If someone was willing to come by your operation to pick up recyclables, would be willing toparticipate?
Yes (Go to Question #16)Maybe (Go to Question #16)No (Go to Question #19)Do not know (Go to Question #19)
19. How often would you like on-site pick-up?
Once per weekTwice per weekOnce every two weeksOnce a monthOther: ________________________________
______________________________________
20. What services would you expect from this program?
Dependable scheduled pick-upsSeparation of goods/materials (i.e., glass, aluminum, etc.)Recyclable storage units (i.e., trash cans, bins, etc.)Convenience to request additional pick-ups during the weekOther: __________________________________________
________________________________________________
21. How much would you be willing to pay for such a program?
$5.00 to $10.00 per month$10.01 to $15.00 per month$15.01 to $20.00 per monthOver $20.00 per month
22. Number of employees in your operation: ______
23. Do you take consultant advise for managing your operation?
YesNo
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24. How many years has your firm been in operation? ______
25. Is the firm a local enterprise?
YesNo
26. Do your firm use a computer for record keeping?
YesNo
26a. If yes, how many years? ______
27. Approximately what has been the average value of total production or sales of your firm overthe past 3 years? ____________________
28. Would you like to be sent a copy of the accumulated survey results?
YesNo
Thank you for your time and patience in answering this questionnaire. Be assured that youranswers will be held in strict confidence.
29
Contact Person: _________________________________________Phone Number: _________________________________________
1. Are you currently involved in recycling?
YesNoDo not know
2. Which waste materials generated in your business operation do you currently recycle?
NONEAluminumGlassNewspaperWhite Office PaperComputer PaperPlasticTin CansOilPlastic BagsTires
Chemical Waste (please list)
____________________________________________
____________________________________________
____________________________________________
Others (please specify)
____________________________________________
____________________________________________
___________________________________________
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3. Which of the listed materials would you consider recyclable?
AluminumGlassNewspaperWhite Office PaperComputer PaperPlasticTin CansOilPlastic BagsTiresChemical WasteOthers
4. Which materials are included in waste generated by your business operation?
AluminumGlassNewspaperWhite Office PaperComputer PaperPlasticTin CansOilPlastic BagsTiresChemical WasteOthers (Please list)
31
5. If you don’t recycle, what are the reasons for not recycling:
Do not use goods/materials that can be recycledAre not aware which goods and materials could be recycledCost associated with recyclingAccessibility of recycling pickup pointsTime required to prepare goods for recyclingLack of knowledge as to how to set up an internal recycling programNot applicableOther: ____________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
6. Would you attend a seminar on recycling for business if offered by Northern NevadaCommunity College:
YesNoDo not know
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7. Please indicate your price sensitivity in respect to the use of recycled products in yourbusiness. (Assume that quality and availability are equal.)
a). Would you use recycled products if the per unit cost were the same as inputs currently in use?
YesNo
b.) Would you use recycled products if the per unit cost were 1% to 5% higher than current inputcosts?
YesNo
c.) Would you use recycled products if the per unit cost were greater than 5% higher than currentinput costs?
YesNo
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8. Why do you recycle?
Do not recycleTo comply with regulationsImprove the environmentPositive company imageTo serve an environmentally consciouscustomer groupFinancial gains from sale of recyclable materialDo not knowOther: ________________________________
______________________________________
______________________________________
9. What has been your major source of information about recycling?
Magazines and newspaperOther businessesState of Nevada Environmental Protection AgencyU.S. Environmental Protection AgencyNorthern Nevada Community College programsScrap dealer/collectorOther: ________________________________________
____________________________________________
______________________________________________
10. Would you say your company consciously purchases goods/materials that arerecyclable/recycled?
YesMaybeNoDo not know
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11. Would you be willing to purchase goods/materials with recycled components?
YesMaybeNoDo not know
12. In your decision to purchase or not purchase recycled products, please indicate theimportance of the factors that entered into your decision?
NotImportant
SomewhatImportant
Neutral Important VeryImportant
PriceQualityAccessibilityAbility todispose ofPositiveCompanyImageOther(please list)
______________________________________________________________________________
13. Are consumers willing to pay more for outputs made from recycled products?
YesNo
14. If you currently recycle waste materials generated during the operation your business, how doyou dispose of the portion that is recycled.
Don’t Recycle any waste materialsCollected by independent contractor service for recycling.Dropped off at recycling outletOther: ____________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
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15. How do you dispose of your waste material which is not recycled?
Collected by county/city/town weekly trash pickup for landfill disposalCollected by independent contractor for landfill disposalOther _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________
16. If given a definite location, would you be willing to drop off recyclable materials?
YesMaybeNoDo notknow
17. If someone was willing to come by your operation to pick up recyclables, would you bewilling to participate?
YesMaybeNoDo not know
18. How often would you like on-site pick-up?
Do not want pickupOnce per weekTwice per weekOnce every two weeksOnce a monthOther: ________________________________
______________________________________
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19. What services would you expect from this program?
Dependable scheduled pick-upsSeparation of goods/materials (i.e., glass, aluminum, etc.)Recyclable storage units (i.e., trash cans, bins, etc.)Convenience to request additional pick-ups during the weekOther: __________________________________________
________________________________________________
20. How much would you be willing to pay for such a program?
$0 per month$5.00 to $10.00 per month$10.01 to $15.00 per month$15.01 to $20.00 per monthOver $20.00 per month
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21. Number of employees in your operation: ______
22. Do you take consultant advise for managing your operation?
YesNo
23. How many years has your firm been in operation? ______
24. Is the firm a local enterprise?
YesNo
25. Does your firm use a computer for record keeping?
YesNo
25a. If yes, for how many years? ______
26. Approximately what has been the average annual value of total production or sales of yourfirm over the past 3 years? ____________________
27. Would you like to be sent a copy of the accumulated survey results?
YesNo
Any general comments regarding recycling?
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Thank you for your time and patience in answering this questionnaire. Be assured that youranswers will be held in strict confidence.