Increasing Indianapolis Residential Recycling Rates via Survey

Abstract

The City of Indianapolis worked with its waste removal company to run a free pilot program for curbside recycling. The city hoped that getting the bins out to residents' houses free of charge--getting them familiar with the program--would peak interest and eventually increase long-term paid program participation; this was not the case. According to the research, successful recycling programs are built on the specific needs of the community they serve. This paper proposes a survey to better understand Indianapolis residents and their feelings and apprehensions regarding curbside, residential recycling.