How Do We Measure Them? Lessons from Long Island on Computing Recycling Rates 63 How Do We Measure Them? Lessons from Long Island on Computing Recycling Rates

RECYCLING rates are often used as measures of the effectiveness of waste management programs or policies. Particular rates have also been set as mandates for local programs, as goals as part of general public policy, and as regulatory tools in permit processes. Therefore, the computation of a recycling rate for a particular program, region, or waste stream is often of public interest or may have legal implications. It is not clear that the rates reported to the public are the most appropriate. Municipalities may not report all the recycling credits they could claim. We also believe that what is reported to the public as recycling is not what the public perceives as recycling. This paper examines both concepts in the context of data collected from Long Island for 1994. Background Recycling rates result from the management of municipal solid waste (MSW). MSW is composed of the non-hazardous residues produced at residences, businesses, and institutions. Certain materials are usually excluded from the definition of MSW, although they are solid wastes or are produced at residences, businesses, or institutions. Excluded materials include liquid septic wastes, solid residues an