Barriers to Waste Reduction Efforts: Small Business Response

M. M. Tanner
C. L. Twait
J. M. Rives
M. L. Bollman

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DOI: 10.2190/N9X0-BJ3U-4F91-YUY7

Abstract

Consultants and state agencies have emerged to provide information to companies wishing to manage their waste problems more effectively. One such agency, the Iowa Waste Reduction Center (IWRC), has provided assessments and technical assistance to Iowa businesses since 1988. The research reported here was undertaken because the IWRC wanted to determine the extent to which its waste management ideas were being implemented by their clients. The IWRC also wanted to know what prevented their clients from implementing various suggested measures. This survey research indicates that respondents were more likely to implement end-of-pipe waste recommendations than pollution prevention measures. Companies cited cost as the main reason for not carrying out proposed solutions. IWRC clients appeared more likely to be highly motivated by the perceived costs or potential threats than by the possible benefits of action. Policy implications for the IWRC and state lawmakers are drawn.

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This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License.