Progress 10/01/07 to 09/30/12
Outputs
OUTPUTS: The major completed research in the final year of the project was a town level survey of households in towns considering adopting single stream recycling. A survey of three New Hampshire towns with varying demographic characteristics revealed that most respondents do not favor single stream recycling adoption or curbside collection in their towns. Contingent choice analysis also confirmed these results. Results also indicated that respondents were willing to pay a per bag fee to recycle, and that they were not willing to pay additional amounts for the "convenience" of single stream. The primary data collected will provide a baseline for additional survey work on single stream, which will focus on larger towns and towns which have adopted single stream. PARTICIPANTS: Northeast Resource Recovery Association, Epping, NH; Roger Rice, Transfer Station Manager, Lee, NH; Town of Nottingham, NH; Town of Northwood, NH; NH Department of Environmental Services, Concord, NH; NH Office of Energy and Planning, Concord, NH TARGET AUDIENCES: Cooperative Extension, Municipal solid waste management agencies, State waste management agencies, National and regional waste management entities and publications, Environmental groups PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Not relevant to this project.
Impacts
Our research on pay as you throw systems revealed that not only is solid waste production sensitive to unit price, but that accounting for treatment effects and limiting analysis to only those towns which have adopted Pay As You Throw (PAYT)leads to substantially different results from those studies which did not use these methods. Elasticity estimates from our adapted models were relatively elastic (E = -2.5) compared to highly inelastic estimates from previous studies ( E = -0.1 to -0.7); in other words, increases in price per unit of trash disposal have a larger effect on household trash production than previous studies indicated. While single stream recycling is becoming extremely popular due to its convenience and potential for increasing recycling rates, our finding show that it is not at all clear that small towns favor this move. Most survey respondents prefer to bring their materials to town drop off stations. This preference is likely to reflect the social capital aspects of interaction at with fellow townsfolk at transfer stations. As towns continue to examine new methods like single stream, and there is a major impetus for implementation, our research has shown that it is useful to consider whether and in what venues single stream is preferable.
Publications
- Rogers, S., J.M. Halstead, and T. Seager. 2013. "Characterization of public and stakeholder objectives in environmental management: A case study of New Hampshire's Lamprey River." Journal of Water Resources Planning and Management. MARCH/APRIL: 1-8.
- Huang, J-C, J.M. Halstead, and S.B. Saunders. 2011. "Managing Municipal Solid Waste with Unit-Based Pricing: Policy Effects and Responsiveness to Pricing." Land Economics. 87 (4): 645-660.
- Wright, C. 2012. Essays on the economics of municipal and household solid waste disposal and recycling. PhD dissertation. Department of Economics, Whittemore School of Business & Economics, University of New Hampshire.
|
Progress 10/01/10 to 09/30/11
Outputs
OUTPUTS: Two principal efforts were addressed this year. The first, which examines the econometric modeling of treatment effects on the effectiveness of pay as you throw trash systems, has been completed. Our findings indicate that previous studies which have not accounted for treatment effects (that is, the endogeneity problems in self selection by towns which adopt Pay as you throw,PAYT) tends to overlook coefficients which may be statistically significant, or may not estimate the correct magnitude of these coefficients. Our results using this two-tiered approach indicate that PAYT may have larger effects than previous empirical studies using ordinary least squares (OLS). Results are also highly sensitive to whether pooled data of all towns or the two-step procedure correcting for self selection is used; we argue that our approach is analytically preferred. In addition, our research shows that own price elasticity estimates generated using only those towns which have adopted PAYT, as opposed to all towns in the study are of New Hampshire, prove to be relatively elastic (E = -1.35) compared to previous studies which found own price elasticity to be inelastic E = -0.1 to -0.6). Our second major effort, currently underway, is a survey of towns regarding the relatively new strategy of single stream recycing (which combines containers and papers in one collection bin). Our strategy is to survey towns with a variety of characteristics (no single stream, considering adoption, dropoff vs. curbside collection, etc.). In this way, we can identify strengths and weaknesses of this new approach, and possible household issues with adoption. We have conducted pre-tests in two New Hampshire towns and have a final draft of our survey instruments. We will be collecting data winter of 2012, with several towns identified and probably several more added by the end of the study to ensure a viable cross section of approaches and towns. PARTICIPANTS: Ju-Chin Huang, Professor, Department of Economics, University of New Hampshire Christopher Wright, Doctoral Candidate, Department of Economics, University of New Hampshire Northeast Resource Recovery Association, Epping, NH: provides assistance in identifying town issues, contact individuals, etc NH Department of Environmental Services: assistance in data collection, survey design, etc. TARGET AUDIENCES: Researchers in solid waste management: interest in both econometric methods employed and empirical findings Policymakers: interest from state agencies, USEPA, town officials, and non-profits (e.g. Northeast Resource Recovery Association) PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Nothing significant to report during this reporting period.
Impacts
Our findings with respect to econometric approaches in examining pay as you throw programs indicate that studies of the effectiveness of PAYT may be heavily influenced by the presence of self selectivity. Thus, we recommend that future efforts consider the two tiered, treatment effects approach as developed in our project. This may change subsequent conclusions on the effectiveness of PAYT. Regarding own price elasticities, our studies have shown that own price elasticity of household solid waste disposal is elastic, rather than inelastic as concluded in previous empirical studies. Future efforts should make an effort to separate PAYT adopting towns for a separate elasticity analysis, as the bias caused by the preponderence of "zero prices" (non-adopting towns) tends to mute the pricing effects in PAYT programs. Our current undertaking in single stream will provide a wealth of information to the many towns currently considering this strategy. We have been approached by a number of towns outside of our initial sample requesting that we collect data for their towns (e.g. Tilton, NH), indicating that local policymakers are very interested in our findings. Publication of previous research on privatization of delivery of services such as solid waste management illustrates that privatization is not a universally acceptable solution to delivery issues. Most municipalities surveyed in Wisconsin, New Hampshire, and Illinois find that their own employees deliver a superior product to that provided byprivate contractors.
Publications
- Huang, J-C, Halstead,J.M., and Saunders, S.B. 2011. Managing Municipal Solid Waste with Unit-Based Pricing: Policy Effects and Responsiveness to Pricing. Land Economics, 87 (4): 645-660.
- Halstead, J.M. and Wright, C. 2011. Using Matching Estimators to Evaluate the Impact of Unit Based Pricing on Household Solid Waste Disposal Economics. Agricultural and Resource Economics Review. 38(3): 333
|
Progress 10/01/09 to 09/30/10
Outputs
OUTPUTS: Major work output this past year involved continuing examination of the effects of pay as you throw (payt) waste management systems. Econometric analyses incorporated treatment effects models to address possible shortcomings in past study methods. Additional work in estimating elasticities was performed. A comparative analysis was made between our New Hampshire data set and a well known previous data set compiled by Kinnamon and Fullerton. Additional work has begun using propensity score matchig techniques to determine factors influencing adoption of payt. This approach will also address the treatment effects (endogeneity) issue. One important potential outcome will be an estimate of the ATC (average treatment effect on control group). This will essentially give an estimate of the effects of PAYT on non-adopting towns. Preliminary results indicate that expected reductions in per capita waste generation are closer to 20% than the 40% which is typical with voluntary adoption. Results have been disseminated through three primary avenues. First, we have continued to present our results at professional conferences and in professional journals. These include the Southern Regional Science Association, the Agricultural and Applied Economics Association, the World Congress for Environmental and Resource Economists, and the Northeastern Agricultural and Resource Economics Association. Second, trade associations, such as the Northeast Resource Recovery Association, are interested in our work. Finally, community presentations of general issues and findings are made. The project has also been including more graduate students from the business school, one of whom is doing his dissertation on project related issues. PARTICIPANTS: Aliya Sassi--economics doctoral student UNH--worked on collecting and refining data Ju-Chin Huang--economics professor UNH--assisted with econometric analysis Christopher Wright--economics doctoral student UNH--working on collecting town level data, building propensity score matching model TARGET AUDIENCES: Policy makers--to determine the efficacy of unit based pricing to manage solid waste Econometrics practitioners--to further examine the issues of policy endogeneity/treatment effects models PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Not relevant to this project.
Impacts
Results of our analysis indicates that failure to account for policy endogeneity in econometric modeling leads to incorrect estimates of per capita waste reduction due to payt programs. Previous studies' estimates of own price elasticities were likely understated due to the dampening effect of the majority of towns with zero prices (i.e. those which had not adopted payt). When samples are adjusted to only examine those towns with payt, own price elasticity changes from highly inelastic (elasticity = -0.1 to -0.15) to relatively elastic (elasticity > -2.0). This supports the importance of appropriate price selection in policy design, as opposed to the finding that it is the simple existence of the program and positive price, rather than the level of the price, which leads to decreases in generation rates. The experiment involving propensity score matching will yield information on how per capita waste generation rates might be expected to change if PAYT was mandated for all towns rather than voluntarily adopted. We are collecting secondary data for this phase of the study. An extension of this phase will include several town level household surveys to provide primary data; these data will also shed light on whether there is a decay effect on the effects of PAYT over time.
Publications
- Halstead, J.M., Jarema,P.M. and Rogers, S.H. 2010. Measuring the Effects of Social capital and land use on quality of life: two case studies. Agricultural and Resource Economics Review. 39(3): 590.
- Rogers, S.H., Halstead, J.M., Gardner, K, and Carlson,C. 2011. Examining walkability and social capital as indicators of quality of life at the municipal and neighborhood scales. Applied Research in Quality-of-Life. In press.
- Mohr, R.D., Deller, S.C., and Halstead, J.M. 2010. Public-private partnerships, cooperative agreements, and the production of public services in small and rural municipalities. Public Administration Review. 70(6): 894-905.
- Halstead, J.M., Jarema,P.M. and Conway, K.S. 2009. Civic engagement and land use policy change: does social capital affect ecosystem service flows Agricultural and Resource Economics Review. 38(2): 287.
- Halstead, J.M. 2009. The China syndrome. University of New Hampshire Magazine. Durham, NH. 11(2): 37.
|
Progress 10/01/08 to 09/30/09
Outputs
OUTPUTS: Research over this period has focused on two main issues: effects of unit based pricing (pay as you throw, or payt) on waste production and recycling, and initiatives toward privatization of solid waste diposal and other services by local governments. We continue to work to expand and update data bases in these areas, and are working on multi-state analyses (New hampshire, Wisconsin, Illinois). These collaborations have provided both additional expertise to the research and have led to a broader extrapolation of results across states. We have disseminated these outputs via three avenues: presentations at professional meetings; presentations at practitioners meetings and venues; and peer reviewed publications. The New Hampshire Municipal Association and its partner organizations in other states have been very interested in these results, and have requested that we publish them in their various member based publications. In addition, we have crossed boundaries to publish our findings in the public administration literature. These outlets have also shown great interest in our findings. PARTICIPANTS: J. Halstead; R. Mohr (University of New Hampshire, faculty); S. Deller (University of Wisconsin, faculty); P. Jarema (University of New Hampshire, graduate student); Aliya Sassi (University of New Hampshire, Graduate Student); New Hampshire Municipal Association TARGET AUDIENCES: Municipalities, especially in rural areas; researchers in related fields such as political science, business school economics, and public administrators. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Not relevant to this project.
Impacts
We believe that the econometric analysis we have been using on payt data has called into question some commonly held beliefs both about the statistical accuracy of prior research efforts, and their conclusions regarding the own price elasiticy of demand for solid waste management. Through refinement of our data sets using observation culling of town level data points, we have been able to expand the amount of usable observations and thus strenghten our results. These have been presented at professional meetings and are currently under journal review. Two major findings have been: first, that lack of consideration of the endogeneity inherent in selection of payt by towns can lead to biased estimators; and second, that previous studies which have found own price elasticity of demand for solid waste disposal to be highly inelastic are in stark contrast to the findings of elastic demand, possibly owing to mis-specification of data sets and failure to account for the large number of non adopting towns. By crossing disciplinary boundaries and publishing in the public amdinistration journals, we hope to maintain a dialog with these social science professional who also work with local government operations and service provision. Given the fiscal stresses being experiencec by local governments and the difficulty in finding the funds to provide essential services, our research has helped provide direction for local and state government entities struggling with these issues.
Publications
- Girard, P., Mohr, R., Deller, S., and Halstead, J. 2009. Public-private partnerships and cooperative agreements in municipal service delivery. International J. of Public Administration. 32(2): 370-392.
- Halstead, J., Jarema, P., and Conway, K. 2009. Civic engagement and land use policy change. Ag. and Res. Econ. Rev. 38(2): 387.
|
Progress 10/01/07 to 09/30/08
Outputs
OUTPUTS: Presentations based on project work have been presented at the following professional venues: Vachon, A., J.M. Halstead, and J. Jambeck. United States Construction & Demolition Debris Facility Practices: Analysis of a National Survey. Presented at the Northeastern Agricultural and Resource Economics Association Meetings, Quebec City, Quebec. June, 2008. Vachon, A., J.M. Halstead, and J. Jambeck. Results of a National Survey of Construction and Demolition Debris Recycling Facilities in the United States. Paper presented at the annual meetings of the Northeast Resource Recovery Association, Nashua, New Hampshire, June, 2008. Vachon, A., J.M. Halstead, and J. Jambeck. Results of a National Survey of Construction and Demolition Debris Recycling Facilities in the United States. Paper presented at the annual meetings of the Northeast Resource Recovery Association, Nashua, New Hampshire, June, 2008. Vachon, A.R., J.M. Halstead, and J. Jambeck. Results of a National Survey of Construction and Demolition Debris Recycling Facilities. Paper presented at the The 23rd International Conference on Solid Waste Technology and Management. Philadelphia, PA. March 30 - April 2, 2008 PARTICIPANTS: John Halstead, Department of Natural Resources and the Environment, University of New Hampshire, Project director Jenna Jambeck, Assistant Professor, Department of Environmental Engineering, University of New hampshire, collaborator Kevin Gardner, Associate Professor, Department of Environmental Engineering, University of New Hampshire, Collaborator Andria Vachon, MS Graduate Student, Resource Economics, University of New Hampshire Patricia Jarema, PhD Student, Natural Resources and Earth System Sciences, University of New Hampshire TARGET AUDIENCES: Professionals in the waste management field; town and state administrators charged with managing solid waste and other municipal services; academics in the economics and public administration fields; state legislators and other policy makers PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Incorporate the emerging study of social capital into the research, especially as related to changes which lead to disruption/change of ecological services such as water supply, air quality, etc.
Impacts
Two major areas were explored in the past year. The first was finalizing the study of construction and demolition debris, concentrating on C&D fines. Survey results were compiled, with all C&D recycling faciltiies in the US surveyed. These results have proven to be of considerable interest to professionals in the filed. Most C&D recycling facilities are taking advantage of the "green" attitudes of communities and are catering to these values by offering recycling rate certification. Cooperation of landfills and recycling facilities, which can result in increased success for both participantshas been occurring frequently. If more landfills and recyclers could cooperate this could potentially increase the recycled amount of C&D from 20-30% to approximately 55%. Larger facilities may appear to be doing more to help divert the waste stream; however, large facilities on average are not very efficient and end up landfilling a higher percentage of the material handled than smaller facilities. Larger facilities should be encouraged to increase their recycling rates with technical innovations. Recycling facilities operators should also be more aware of hydrogen sulfide emissions from their fines. Communication and collaboration with the landfill where the fines are disposed would unveil whether there is an issue and the recycling facility could take the proper steps to alleviate the problem if necessary. The second major area of research is the degree of privatization that municipalities are pursuing in providing solid waste management services. Through analysis of surveys in Illinois, Wisconsin, and New Hamphsire we have been able to reach general conclusions about privatization of services traditionally provided by the local governments. Overall, local officials are less satisfied with services provided under contract to private providers. In addition, small rural towns have more difficulty in finding enough providers to provide the competitive bids which hopefully lead to lower costs.
Publications
- Vachon, A., J.M. Halstead, and J. Jambeck. 2008. Results of a National Survey of Construction and Demolition Debris Recycling Facilities in the United States. Agricultural and Resource Economics Review. 37(2): 310.
- Rogers, S., J.M. Halstead, and T. Seavey. 2007. Balancing Competing Water Uses in Participatory Watershed Planning and Management. Agricultural and Resource Economics Review. 36(2): 353.
- Halstead, J.M., R.D. Mohr, S.C. Deller, P. Girard. 2007. Public-Private Partnerships and Cooperative Agreements in Small and Rural Municipalities. International Advances in Economic Research. (Research Note)
- Vachon, A. 2008. Environmental and Economic Issues with Recycling Construction and Demolition Debris. MS Thesis. University of New Hampshire.
|
Progress 10/01/06 to 09/30/07
Outputs
OUTPUTS: The major data collection effort this year was a survey (ongoing) of all construction and demolition waste recycling facilities in the United States. To date, we have identified between 250 and 300 facililties, with a survey response rate of about 20 percent. The survey is particularly designed to obtain information on fines generated when drywall is processed. The survey data will be used in conjunction with engineering laboratory data on mediation of production of hydrogen sulfide by construction and demolition fines so that cost effective means of dealing with these waste proudcts can be developed. Ongoing statistical analysis of the data base on the effects of unit pricing on waste generation has revealed the importance of considering policy endogeneity in econometric models. In addition, research on own price elasticity estimates has called into question previous studies' results. Clearly, future studies must incorporate or at least address these issues to be sure to
avoid statistical and interpretation problems. Results have been distributed via professional publications, presentations at professional meetings, and interviews with media outlets. Several major trade outlets for the construction and demolition industries have approached us for permission to publish the final results for their members' interest.
PARTICIPANTS: R.D. Mohr, Associate Professor of Economics, University of New Hampshire S.C. Deller, Professor of Agricultural Economics, University of Wisconsin J. Jambeck, Assistant Research Professor of Environmental Engineering, University of New Hampshire Andria Vachon, Graduate Research Assistant, University of New Hampshire New Hampshire Municipal Association
TARGET AUDIENCES: Local municipal governments Construction and Demolition Waste producers and processors
Impacts
Econometric analyses indicate that modeling of unit based pricing systems' effects on per capita waste generation need to consider policy endogeneity. Failing to consider endogeneity changes model results with respect to both waste reduction achieved by the policy and the effects of curbside collection on per capita generation rates. Use of simple arc elasticity estimates indicate that own price elasticity of demand for waste disposal is highly inelastic. However, when one considers changes in price per unit by only those communities which have adopted pay as you throw programs, results indicate a much higher and elastic own price elasticity. Results must be interpreted with caution due to a relatively small sample size.
Publications
- Halstead, J.M., Mohr, R.D., Deller, S.C., and Girard, P. 2007. Public private partnerships and cooperative agreements in small and rural municipalities. International Advances in Econ. Res. 13(4): 522-523.
- Halstead, J.M., Huang, J-C, and Saunders, S.B. 2007. Analyzing unit pricing of waste management using treatment effects models. International Advances in Econ. Res. 13(2): 401-402.
|
Progress 10/01/05 to 09/30/06
Outputs
Primary accomplishments the past year have been: analysis of data set on privatization of municipal solid waste management and other services by New Hampshire communities; and in-depth econometric analyses of data sets regarding adoption of pay as you throw trash programs by New Hampshire towns. From the privatization study, which is currently being expanded to incorporate data from Wisconsin and Illinois, we have drawn the following conclusions. Logit estimation determined that political ideology (i.e. party affiliation) and lower self-described fiscal stress make it more likely that a town will privatize selected services, rather than providing them in house. Smaller towns are more likely to have existing private contracts. The influence of being located in a southern border county raised the likelihood of existing contracts 6.3%. Fiscal stress may be the most elusive and difficult to explain variable. Contracted work generally scored lower in measures of
satisfaction and a significant portion of municipalities were receiving insufficient bids. About thirty percent of towns responded definitively that contracting has resulted in cost savings. The overall rate of private contracting is about 17%. Regarding waste management via pay as you throw (PAYT)programs: treatment effects models were used to analyze data to counter possible problems with endogeneity. While no substantial differences were found between least squares estimates and treatment effects models for the effect of PAYT programs on per capita waste reductions, it was discovered that the presence of curbside collection programs increased per capita generation, an effect which was not evident in the initial econometric analyses. Further, when considering only those towns which had adopted PAYT, it was found that own price elasticity estimates were highly elastic. This stands in contrast to previous studies which have consistently found own price elasticity of waste management
to be highly to moderately inelastic.
Impacts
Local governments, especially those in rural areas, are facing ever increasing stress on their limited revenues. This is especially true in New Hampshire where the major source of revenue is the property tax. Town governments have looked to the possibility of privatizing provision of some municipal services as a way to increase efficiency and reduce costs. The current study and its extensions will provide valuable information to these decision makers in terms of what services work best when privatized, what factors influence privatization and satisfaction with privatization, and which towns have had the most success with privatization.
Publications
- Girard, P. and Halstead, J.M. 2006. Satisfaction and savings: Private contracting in New Hampshire. Town and City. Concord, NH: Local Government Center. XLIX(4): 13-16.
- Harrison, T.W., Halstead, J.M., and Morris, D.E. 2006. How land use mix affects local expenditures." Northeastern Ag.and Res. Econ. Rev. 35(2): 298.
|
Progress 10/01/04 to 09/30/05
Outputs
A survey of all New Hampshire towns was conducted to determine the extent, impact, and future directions for privatization of provision of municipal services. Many services traditionally provided by local government are now being provided by private contractors, including waste management. This work is a complement to previous work examining the effects of unit based pricing on per capita waste generation at the town level. In the state survey, 234 towns returned 138 completed responses (59% response rate). While previous surveys in this field have indicated that there are a large number of services which could potentially be privatized, examination of survey responses showed that solid waste disposal, recycling, street sweeping, park maintenance, janitorial services, building maintenance, tax assessing, and title record maintenance were the services which were commonly privateized among New Hampshire towns. Three logit models were constructed to determine 1) the
predictive capacity of a number of demographic factors on the fiscal stress rating of the respondents; 2)the impacts of fiscal stress, ideology and demographic data on current privatization of eight services commonly contracted out in towns of all sizes; and 3) future predicted changes in service management using current fiscal stress, ideology and demographic data, as indicators for future private contract adoption. Results indicate that small towns may have a harder time getting competitive bids; private contracts are not improving service quality in New Hampshire; low fiscal stress can be associated with existing contracts but the model is inconclusive as to whether high fiscal stress leads to future contracting. Political ideology and fiscal stress were found to correlate positively with privatization. Population and budget size were also important in the decision. Overall, town officials surveyed were more satisfied with services provided by their own employees than they were
with those provided by contracted firms.
Impacts
Local governments, especially those in rural areas, are facing ever increasing stress on their limited revenues. This is especially true in New Hampshire where the major source of revenue is the property tax. Town governments have looked to the possibility of privatizing provision of some municipal services as a way to increase efficiency and reduce costs. The current study and its extensions will provide valuable information to these decision makers in terms of what services work best when privatized, what factors influence privatization and satisfaction with privatization, and which towns have had the most success with privatization.
Publications
- Girard, P.A. 2005. Savings and Satisfaction: A Look at Decision Making Regarding Privatization and Cooperative Management in the Production of Municipal Services in New Hampshire. Durham: Department of Resource Economics and Development, University of New Hampshire. Unpublished MS Thesis. 69 pp.
- Halstead, J.M. and Girard, P.A. 2005. Privatization and cooperative management in the provision of public services in the rural United States. In Proceedings of the 45th Congress of the European Regional Science Association "Land Use and Water Management in a Sustainable Network Society." Amsterdam, Netherlands: Vrije University.
|
Progress 10/01/03 to 09/30/04
Outputs
A survey of all New Hampshire towns was conducted and data were analyzed to determine the effects of unit based pricing on per capita waste generation. Econometric models were estimated determining the effects of price per bag of trash, household size, income, and other sociodemographic variables on annual per capita generation, using both linear and double log formulations. Logit models examining factors which affect adoption of unit based pricing programs by New Hampshire towns were also estimated. Own price elasticities of demand for waste disposal ranged from -.2 to -.6, confirming results of studies in other states that demand is highly inelastic. Per capita waste generation in towns with unit based pricing is approximately 400 kg/yr less than towns with conventional funding schemes. Towns with higher property tax rates are more likely to adopt unit pricing. While these results demonstrate that substantial reductions in generation can be obtained via unit
pricing, no cost estimates were generated for solid waste management. Thus, the decision to adopt pay as you throw systems may not be to the net financial benefit of all towns. Further analysis of this data set will seek to determine whether the behavior of neighboring towns affects adoption of unit pricing. Current extensions of this research examine the scope and nature of privatization of services traditionally provided by local governments, including solid waste management and recycling. Results of these ongoing studies are of direct use to communities considering privatization or quasi-privatization of service delivery. These results indicate that towns can achieve a substantial reduction in waste generation with unit based pricing systems.
Impacts
This study documents the reductions in waste generation that can be obtained with unit based pricing for disposal. On average, New Hampshire towns experience substantial reductions in waste generation with unit based pricing systems. While this indicates that there are cost savings from program adoption, it is not necessarily the case that all towns should adopt unit based pricing. However, at a time when local governments are under ever increasing fiscal stress, this information is extremely valuable in making decisions for alternative program delivery systems which can reduce operating costs and reduce pressure on local property taxes.
Publications
- Hallas-Burt, S. and Halstead, J.M. 2004. Pay-as-you-throw trash pricing. BioCycle: The Journal of Composting and Recycling. 45 (9): 30-34.
- Hallas-Burt, S. 2004. Unit Pricing for Solid Waste Management: How PAYT is working in New Hampshire Communities. M.S. Thesis. Department of Resource Economics and Development, College of Life Science and Agriculture. Durham: University of New Hampshire. 67pp.
|
Progress 10/01/02 to 09/30/03
Outputs
The principal effort this past year has been the completion of analysis of the data base of waste management by New Hampshire cities and towns. Specifically, logit and least squares models were used to estimate the effects of unit-based pricing on per capita generation rates and the factors influencing whether towns adopted unit based pricing(pay as you throw, or PAYT). Results showed that average household size, existence of a master plan, existence of a capital improvement plan, and marginal price to dispose of waste were statistically significant influences, regardless of the variation of price in the PAYT program. The analysis of potential future adoption provided little to no predictive power using the variables in this particular study. Elasticity estimates for waste disposal ranged from -0.3 to -0.6, depending on functional form used. These elasticity estimates are comparable to those found in other areas of the U.S. In general, towns adopting PAYT can reduce
annual per capita waste generation substantially. Towns with relatively high property tax rates are more likely to adopt PAYT than those with lower tax rates.
Impacts
This study documents the reductions in waste generation that can be obtained with unit based pricing for disposal. While many towns should experience cost savings through program adoption, it is not necessarily the case that all towns should adopt unit based pricing.
Publications
- Hallas-Burt, S. 2003. Unit pricing for solid waste management: How PAYT is working in New Hampshire communities. Master's thesis, Resource Administration and Management Program, University of New Hampshire, Durham, 67pp.
- Hallas-Burt, S., Halstead, J.M., Huang, J.C., and Bedard,E. 2003. Is PAYT for solid waste management a fiscally wise municipal policy? Agricultural and Resource Economics Review. 32(2): 296-297.
|
Progress 10/01/01 to 09/30/02
Outputs
A complete data set for 200 New Hampshire towns has been compiled, including sociodemographic, financial, and waste management information. These data will be used to construct three statistical models to determine: the effects of unit pricing of household solid waste on property tax rates; the effects of unit pricing on waste production; and the effects of unit pricing on total waste management costs. Other information gathered will include the effects of recycling rates caused by unit pricing. Econometric procedures will include time series/cross sectional analyses, logit, and ordered probit analysis of the data. Once these models are estimated and refined for the New Hampshire community data base, grant funds will be sought to expand the research to national scope. Results of recently completed project research indicate that: decreases in lake water clarity (often caused by nutrient runoff) have a substantial negative impact on lakefront property values; and the
effects of landfills on property values is mixed i.e. it cannot be categorically stated to be positive, negative, or neutral.
Impacts
It is hoped that much of the "unbundling" of services which is occurring in local governments through privatization will result in reduced cost of service delivery. While unit pricing of household waste is generally still handled by local governments, it is a departure from traditional financing methods. The results of this study will shed light on some of the potential savings from unbundling municipal services.
Publications
- Bouvier, R.A., Halstead, J.M., Conway, K.S., and Manalo, A.B. 2002. Effects of landfills on residential housing prices: Some empirical evidence. J. of Reg. Anal. and Pol. 30(2): 23-38.
- Gibbs,J.P., Halstead, J.M., Boyle, K., and Huang, J-C. 2002. An hedonic analysis of the effects of lake water clarity on New Hampshire lakefront properties." Agr. and Res. Econ. Rev. 31(1): 39-46.
|
Progress 10/01/00 to 09/30/01
Outputs
Recently completed work under Hatch 335 indicates that water clarity has a substantial effect on lake front property values in New Hampshire. This relates to application of biosolids, etc. which may influence eutrophication. Decreases in water clarity of one meter can reduce lake front property values by between 1 and 6%. The final report of the Governor's solid waste task force has been issued, with recommendations regarding pricing systems, supply, and disposal surcharges. Research completed under H 335 contributed substantially to formulation of the report's base. The report also discusses the possibilities for flow control of out of state waste; it is probable that flow control is not an option for states since it likely violates the interstate commerce clause of the U.S. Constitution. Current research is focusing on the effect of unit-based pricing on property taxes. While it has been shown in previous studies that unit pricing can reduce waste production by
10-40% and increase recycling, it is not clear what the long term effects of unbundling waste management fees from the property tax levy are. Once sufficient data are gathered from towns with and without unit pricing, time series/cross sectional analyses will determine whether these fees actually reduce the overall tax burden.
Impacts
Additional information on the overall impact of unit pricing on local taxes will be valuable in the policy making process at the state and local levels.
Publications
- R.A. Bouvier, Halstead, J.M., Conway, K.S., and Manalo, A.B. 2001. Effects of landfills on residential housing prices: Some empirical evidence. J. of Reg. Anal. and Pol. 30(2): 23-38.
- Fortier, T., Halstead, J.M., Samson, M. et al. 2001. Report of the Governor's Solid Waste Task Force. Pursuant to Executive Order 99-6. Concord, NH: New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services. 75 pp.
|
Progress 01/01/00 to 12/31/00
Outputs
The past year has been spend in assisting the NH Governor's Solid Waste Task Force in drafting recommendations for reducing out of state trash imports and exploring alternatives to reduce town level tipping fees. Economic analysis of trends in industry concentration revealed steep increases in the four firm industry concentration ratio over the past 15 years, with even more extreme concentration in some regions.
Impacts
Based on task force recommendations, the New Hampshire legislature is now considering surcharges on both in and out of state waste to pay for recycling, source reduction, and capacity development, as well as other recommendations of the task force regarding cost/capacity.
Publications
- Lindsey, B.E., Zhou, H. and Halstead, J.M. 2000. Factors influencing resident attitudes regarding land application of biosolids. American Journal of Alternative Agriculture. 15(2): 88-95.
- Gibbs, J.P., Halstead, J.M. and Boyle, K.P. 2000. An hedonic analysis of the effects of lake water clarity on New Hampshire lakefront properties." Agricultural and Resource Economics Review. 29(2): 255.
|
Progress 01/01/99 to 12/31/99
Outputs
Principal activity in the past year included examining the industry structure of the solid waste sector in the U.S. and in New England in particular. The trend of consolidation of both disposal and hauling in the industry continues; disposal costs, after a brief period of stability, are again rising steeply in the region. The PI is working with the Governor's Solid Waste Task Force to examine means of introducing competition-enhancing and cost-controlling measures into the state's waste management sector. Work was also begun on a text on the economics of solid waste management with Dr. William Park (U-Tennessee) and Dr. George Criner (U-Maine).
Impacts
Research on siting, alternative costs, and industry concentration is having a direct impact on solid waste management policy in New Hampshire and the greater Northeast region.
Publications
- Halstead, J.M., Whitcomb, J.L., and Hamilton, L.C.. 1999. Economic insights into the siting problem: An application of the expected utility model. Agricultural and Resource Economics Review. 28(1): 65-75.
- Halstead, J.M., B.E. Lindsay, B.E., Whitcomb, J., Bouvier, R., and Xiao, H.. 1999. Siting waste management facilities: The problem that won't go away. In Proceedings of the R'99 International Congress on Recovery, Recycling, and Re-Integration, Volume IV. EMPA, St. Gallen, Switzerland.
|
Progress 01/01/98 to 12/31/98
Outputs
Principal research has focused on the issue of biosolids (sewage sludge). A survey has been completed of two New Hampshire towns in cooperation with NH AES Project H 337. Results of this survey indicate that respondents were moderately supportive of land application of biosolids in their towns. Perceived health risks and economic benefits were found to have a major influence on respondent support. Synthesis of previous research on waste facility siting problems has led to development of a set of siting "principles": 1) make sure trusted officials are involved in the process; 2) perceived risks are just as important as actual scientific risk estimates; 3) communities are interested in safety and empowerment first, and economic benefits to a much lesser extent; 4) the clear need for monitoring of project inputs and outputs, future responsibility for the site, and public participation in the process are of paramount importance.
Impacts
(N/A)
Publications
- HALSTEAD, J.M. and G.O. ESTES. 1998. Economic, Social, and Health Considerations in Land Application of Biosolids. Pp. 161-182 in Economic and Social Aspects of Occupational and Environmental Health, A. Sorkin and I. Farquhar, eds. Stamford, CT: JAI Press.
|
Progress 01/01/97 to 12/31/97
Outputs
Principal research conducted this fiscal year examined the effects of municipal solid waste management infrastructure on firm location decisions. The cost of solid waste management was not found to have a major effect on firm location decisions when compared with factors such as highway and market access, owner's residence, and property taxes. Waste generation by industry type was found to vary widely. It thus appears that industry attraction and retention strategies should focus on other issues than reducing the costs of waste management. Regarding the issue of the hedonic price function for the effects of landfills on property values, it was found that results were highly sensitive to functional form chosen. Exploratory research tended to indicate that a double log form was appropriate, although this may differ by problem and study area.
Impacts
(N/A)
Publications
- HALSTEAD, J.M., B.E. HANSEN, and R.A. BOUVIER. 1997. On the Issue of functional form in hedonic price functions: Further evidence. Environmental Management. 21(5): 759-765.
- HALSTEAD, J.M., and S.C. DELLER. 1997. Study raises questions about traditional view of infrastructure investment. New Hampshire Business Review. Vol. 19, No. 8. Manchester, New Hampshire. p. 29-30.
- HALSTEAD, J.M. and S.C. DELLER. 1997. Do waste management matters affect firms' location decisions? Waste Dynamics of the Northeast. 8(8):27.
- HALSTEAD, J.M., EMMER, T.C. and ESTES, G.O. 1996. On-farm composting of food and farm wastes: Economic and environmental considerations. American Journal of Alternative Agriculture. 11(1): 146-147.
- YOST, P.A. and J.M. HALSTEAD. 1996. A methodology for quantifying the volume of construction waste. Waste Management and Research. 14: 453-461.
|
Progress 01/01/96 to 12/30/96
Outputs
Principal research conducted this fiscal year examined the relationship between landfill proximity and housing prices in six rural Massachusetts towns. Results of the hedonic property value study indicate that the relatively small landfills studied (several of which were closed) had minimal or no impact on local property values. Regarding applications of past project work, the method for estimating the value of construction waste developed by Yost and Halstead has been adopted by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Cost analyses of several types of composting operations were also combined in a type of meta-analysis to determine the overall economics of composting.
Impacts
(N/A)
Publications
- BOUVIER, R.A. 1996. The Effects of Landfills on Rural Property Values: An Hedonic analysis. MS. Thesis, Department of Resource Economics and Development, University of New Hampshire. Durham. 63 pp.
- BOUVIER, R.A. and HALSTEAD, J.M. 1996. The Effect of Landfills on Rural Residential Property Values: Some Empirical Evidence. Agricultural and Resource Economics Review. 25(2):244.
- HALSTEAD, J.M. and PARK, W.M. 1996. The role of Economic Analysis in Local Government Decisions: The Case of Solid Waste Management. Agricultural and Resource Economics Review. 25(1):76-82.
- HALSTEAD, J.M. EMMER, T. C., and ESTES, G.O. 1996. On-farm Composting of Food andFarm Wastes: Economic and Environmental Considerations. In Proceedings Conference on Environmental Enhancement Through Agriculture. W. Lockeretz, ed. Boston, M.
|
Progress 01/01/95 to 12/30/95
Outputs
Two major efforts were completed this year: a test of the "facility siting credo" for siting noxious facilities, and data collection for a study of the effects of landfills on local property values. Preliminary results indicate that solid waste composting facilities do not fit the siting credo model. There are several possible reasons for this: 1. The siting credo does not necessarily present a workable model for designing siting approaches; the previous apparent success the credo may be site, problem, or technique specific; MSW composting presents a wholly different set of issues than the amalgam of siting attempts previously studied; 3. The data set used was too small to draw any definitive conclusions on the validity of the credo. Preliminary results of the property value studies indicate that closed landfills have no impact on surrounding property values. Current research will determine whether this is true for large and small operating landfills, and for those
landfills determined to have environmental problems.
Impacts
(N/A)
Publications
- HALSTEAD,J.M. AND WALKER, T.L. 1995. "A new way around NIMBY Testing the facility siting credo." Northeastern Journal of Agricultural and Resource Economics. 24(2):262. (Abstract).
|
Progress 01/01/94 to 12/30/94
Outputs
The major activity completed this year was an analysis of siting issues for municipal solid waste composting facilities. General population surveys were conducted in Rochester and Keene, N.H. and Greenfield, Massachusetts. Survey results and multinomial logit analysis indicate that guaranteed water quality was the most important host community benefit for seven out of ten respondents, followed by property tax credits and no charge for waste disposal. Six "Principles" of facility siting emerge from this analysis: 1. Clearly establish need; 2. Be sure "trusted officials: are involved in the process; 3. Perceived risks must be addressed as well as the scientifically defined risks; 4. Realize that MSW composting is new and education is necessary; 5. Realize that communities are interested in safety and empowerment first, then compensation; and 6. Provide a clear and predictable siting and permitting process. Current efforts are directed at surveying
"stakeholders"--developers, local officials, community activists, etc--involved with successful and unsuccessful facility siting attempts. This segment of the study will explicitly test the "facility siting credo" developed by previous researchers in the siting field.
Impacts
(N/A)
Publications
|
Progress 01/01/93 to 12/30/93
Outputs
Two major activities have been completed: economic analysis of collection and composting of food waste generated by grocery stores in Dover and Groveton, N.H.; and economic analysis of the feasibility of recycling clean drywall waste. Results of the food waste study indicate that food waste generated by grocery stores can be collected, transported, and composted for $60-70/ton. The drywall study found that collecting and transporting waste gypsum from a 50 mile radius to a wallboard manufacturing firm is a cost-effective strategy. Current efforts focus on community issues in siting solid waste composting facilities. Focus groups in the town of Chester and Fremont, NH were conducted to identify key matters of concern. A survey of the towns of Rochester and Keene, NH and Greenfield, Mass. has been completed. Survey results are being used to specify a multinomial logit model; survey results will later be used to develop policy tools to address community concerns in waste
management.
Impacts
(N/A)
Publications
- HALSTEAD, J.M., LULOFF, A.E., and MYERS, S.D. 1993. An examination of the NIMBY syndrome: Why not in my backyard. Journal of the Community Development Society. 24 (1).
- STEDGE, G.D. and HALSTEAD, J.M. 1993. Choosing among alternative recycling systems: An economic analysis. The Environmental Professional. 15(4).
- HALSTEAD, J.M., ESTES, G.O. and SCIABARRASI, M.R. 1993. Composting in New Hampshire Communities. New Hampshire Agricultural Experiment Station Report No. 128. 15 pp.
- STEDGE, G.D., HALSTEAD, J.M. and MORRIS, D.E. 1993. Alternative approaches to collecting recyclables. BioCycle. 34(5): 68-70.
- EMMER, T.L. and HALSTEAD, J.M. 1993. An economic analysis of on-farm composting of source separated fruit and vegetable waste. Abstract in The Environmental Professional: NAEP 18th Annual Technical Session Abstracts. 15(1): 52.
|
Progress 01/01/92 to 12/30/92
Outputs
Two new activities have been initiated: economic analysis of collection and composting of food waste generated by grocery stores and schools in Dover and Groveton, NH; and economic analysis of the feasibility of recycling clean drywall waste. A household survey of solid waste management practices in the towns of Newmarket, Exeter, and New London, NH showed that monetary incentives and convenience are key concerns of households which do not recycle. Households with grade school aged children and members belonging to an environmental organization were more likely to recycle. Results of a time-motion study of the pilot recycling program in Concord, New Hampshire have been published. Results indicate that the novel "blue bag" system diverted a higher percentage of the waste stream into recycling. Drop-off systems had the lowest diversion rates of the three systems studied. A logit model examining the factors which influence the "NIMBY" (not in my back yard) problem in
waste management facility siting has been completed (using data from the towns of Newmarket, Exeter, and New London, NH). These results indicate that families with children are more likely to oppose siting of landfills and incinerators in their communities, while older residents are less likely to oppose such facilities. Residents who support other types of facilities in their communities are less likely to oppose landfills or incinerators.
Impacts
(N/A)
Publications
- HALSTEAD, J.M., LULOFF, A.E. and MYERS, S.D. 1992. "An Examination of the NIMBY Syndrome: Whose Backyard." American Journal of Agricultural Economics. 74(5): 1302. (abstract).
- MYERS, S.D. and HALSTEAD, J.M. 1992 "Factors Affecting Recycling Behavior at the Household Level." Washington, D.C.: In Proceedings of the 17th Annual Conference of the National Association of Environmental Professionals. pp. 410-420.
- MYERS, S.D. 1992. Recycling Norms and Behavior: A Causal and Logistic Regression Analysis. M.S. Thesis. University of New Hampshire. 154 pp.
- STEDGE, G.D. and HALSTEAD, J.M. 1992. "An Analysis of Alternative Recycling Systems." in Proceedings of the 17th Annual Conference of the National Association of Environmental Professionals. Washington, D.C.: National Association of Env.
- STEDGE, G.D. and HALSTEAD, J.M. 1992. "An Analysis of Alternative Recycling Systems." American Journal of Agricultural Economics. 75(5): 1296. (abstract).
- STEDGE, G.D., HALSTEAD, J.M. and MORRIS, D.E. 1992. An Economic Analysis of Alternative Recycling Systems. New Hampshire Agricultural Experiment Station Research Report No. 127. 30 pp.
|
Progress 01/01/91 to 12/30/91
Outputs
A survey of waste management practices in all vermont and Main towns has been completed and published as an Agricultural Experiment Station report. Results indicate that costs of solid waste disposal will increase by between 140 and 250 percent between 1987 and 1993. Recycling is becoming relatively more cost effective compared to landfilling and incineration. A survey to determine resident attitudes on solid waste management practices, focussing on recycling, has been conducted in the towns of Newmarket, Exeter, and New London, New Hampshire in winter of 1991. A data base has been compiled based on this information. A time-motion study of the pilot recycling program in Concord, New Hampshire has been completed. This study compares the novel "blue bag" curbside recycling approach to the more conventional "blue bin" and drop off approaches currently used by most towns involved in curbside recycling. Results indicate that the blue bag system has lower per-ton collection
and processing costs than blue bin systems, while the bin system diverted a higher percentage of the waste stream into recycling. Drop-off systems tend to have the lowest per-ton operating costs and the lowest diversion rates of the three systems studied. A logit model examining the factors which influence the "NIMBY" (not in my back yard) problem in waste management facility siting has been specified and a data set collected (from the towns of NEwmarket, Exeter, and New London, New Hampshire).
Impacts
(N/A)
Publications
|
Progress 01/01/90 to 12/30/90
Outputs
A survey of waste management practices in all Vermont and Maine towns has been completed. This information will be used to construct a data base on solid waste management practices in northern New England, which will be provided to local and state officials in New Hampshire, Maine and Vermont. A survey has been constructed to determine resident attitudes on solid waste management practices, focussing on recycling. The survey has been pre-tested in Durham, New Hampshire. This survey will be conducted in the towns of Newmarket, Exeter, and New London, New Hampshire in winter of 1991. Data bases for constructing hedonic models of the effects of landfill and other solid waste management facilities on property values have been completed for the town of Manchester, Exeter, and Franklin, New Hampshire. These models will be completed and analyzed in spring of 1991. A time-motion study of the pilot recycling program in Concord, New Hampshire has been initiated and will be
completed by March, 1991. This study will compare the novel "blue bag" curbside recycling approach to the more conventional "blue bin" approach currently used by most towns involved in curbside recycling. Completion of the study is anticipated in summer of 1991.
Impacts
(N/A)
Publications
- HALSTEAD, J.M., KRAMER, R.A. and BATIE, S.S. 1990. Logit Analysis of Information in Animal Waste Management. J. of Production Agriculture. October-December. 3: 540-544. NH-AES Scientific Contribution No. 1623.
- DICKSTEIN, C., HALSTEAD, J.M., KAY, D. and CRINER, G. 1990. Regional Considerations in Municipal Solid Waste Management in the Northeast United States. Northeast J. of Agri. and Res. Econ. 19(2).
|
Progress 01/01/89 to 12/30/89
Outputs
The principal accomplishment since July 1, 1989 is the completion of the New Hampshire Solid Waste Management Survey. This survey provides a current data base for waste management practices in the state, as well as a breakdown of cost trends and a description of environmental problems experienced at management sites. The survey will provide the basis of identifying case studies for the property value studies of H335 objective 1. Also related to objective 1, a data base has been developed to examine the impacts of disposal costs, prices, and socio-demographic factors on recycling activities (which supplant landfill siting) in New Hampshire communities. A RAM graduate student will be writing his thesis on this topic. Finally, a collaborative effort with Dr. William Park (University of Tennessee) is underway to organize a symposium on all aspects of the solid waste management process for the 1990 meetings of the American Agricultural Economics Association.
Impacts
(N/A)
Publications
- HALSTEAD, J.M. and CORNELIO, J.A. 1989. Solid Waste Management in New Hampshire: Current Practices. New Hampshire Agricultural Experiment Station Research Report No. 122.
|
|