RECYCLING IN ELKO COUNTY: CURRENT SITUATION AND OPPORTUNITIES

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1 TECHNICAL REPORT UCED RECYCLING IN ELKO COUNTY: CURRENT SITUATION AND OPPORTUNITIES UNIVERSITY OF NEVADA, RENO i

2 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 the University Center for Economic Development at the University of Nevada, Reno. Karl A. McArthur is a Research Associate in the Department of Agricultural Economics at the University of Nevada, Reno. Tracy Echeverria is a Management Consultant in the Small Business Development Center at the rthern Nevada Community College. March 1995 UNIVERSITY OF NEVADA RENO The University of Nevada, Reno is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race color religion sex age creed national origin veteran status physical or mental disability and in accordance with university policy sexual orientation in any program or activity it operates. The University of Nevada employs only United States citizens and aliens lawfully authorized to work in the United States. ii

3 This publication, Recycling in Elko County: Current Situation and Opportunities was published by the University of Nevada Economic Development Center. Funds for the publication were provided by the United States Department of Commerce Economic Development Administration under University Centers Program contract # Also funds for research for this project were provided by the Nevada Department of Environmental Protection. This publication's statements, findings, conclusions, recommendations, and/or data represent solely the findings and views of the authors and do not necessarily represent the views of the United States Department of Commerce, the Economic Development Administration, Nevada Division of Environmental Protection and University of Nevada or any reference sources used or quoted by this study. Reference to research projects, programs, books, magazines, or newspaper articles does not imply an endorsement or recommendation by the authors unless otherwise stated. Correspondence regarding this document should be sent to: Thomas R. Harris, Director University Center for Economic Development University of Nevada, Reno Department of Agricultural Economics Mail Stop 204 Reno, Nevada UCED University of Nevada, Reno Nevada Cooperative Extension Department of Agricultural Economics iii

4 RECYCLING IN ELKO COUNTY: CURRENT SITUATION AND OPPORTUNITIES EXECUTIVE SUMMARY This study was completed in cooperation with the Small Business Development Center at rthern Nevada Community College and the Nevada Department of Environmental Protection. The study surveyed current recycling efforts in Elko County and from this survey developed potentials for recycling in Elko County. Before a recycling industry could be encouraged to locate 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 population increase of ninety-four percent (94%). Population in the city of Elko increased from 11,451 in 1980 to 24,392 in 1990, or a population increase of one hundred and thirteen percent (113%). Unemployment rate for Elko County over the past five years peaked at 7.1 percent in January Since then it has fluctuated between 6.5 percent and 3.3 percent. minal taxable sales for Elko County have shown a steady increase from 1988 to Real taxable sales for Elko County, that is, taxable sales net of inflation, showed a steady increase from 1988 to Real taxable sales decreased in 1992, but increased again in However, 1993 real taxable sales in Elko County were less than real taxable sales in For Elko County, the highest value for real taxable sales was $404 million in 1991 followed by $401 million in 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 of recycled projects by agriculture in Elko County was not considered. iv

5 White office paper followed by computer paper and oil were the most frequent materials identified 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 up points for recyclable products. Given an absence of recycling firms in Elko County, a potential economic development opportunity may be a recycling industry. FUTURE RECYCLING OPPORTUNITIES Firms replied that ten percent (10%) would not attend a rthern Nevada Community College workshop on recycling, however forty-five percent (45%) did not know if they would attend and forty-five percent (45%) replied that they would attend a seminar. Companies recycle because: First, there are environmental mandates. Second, they wish to improve the environment. Most information about recycling was obtained through magazines and newspapers, the Nevada 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, rthern Nevada Community College has a unique opportunity to provide education to local firms concerning recycling. Through these workshops, a local recycling industry may evolve to serve Elko County business. Local businesses replied that they would not pay extra for inputs from recyled products. They also replied that they believe the customers would not pay extra for products produced from recycled products. Recyled inputs must be economically competitive with current material inputs if they are to be incorporated into Elko County business production schedules. v

6 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 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 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. 1

7 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. minal taxable sales for Elko County have shown a steady increase from 1988 to 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 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 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 2

8 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. 3

9 Table 1. Population Estimates by Community for Elko County, Nevada, 1980 and Percent Change Carlin 1,281 2, Elko 11,451 24, Jackpot 808 1, Jarbidge Mountain City 1,194 1, Wells 1,882 1, Remainder of County 618 2, TOTAL 17,272 33, Source: 1980 and 1990 Census of Population 4

10 Table 2. Population Estimates by Age and Sex for Elko County, Nevada, Age in Years Male Female 0-4 1,654 1, ,698 1, ,431 1, ,337 1, ,245 1, ,779 1, ,732 1, ,728 1, ,270 1, , TOTAL 17,782 15,755 5

11 Table 3. Labor Force Data for White Pine County, Employment Unemployment Labor Force Unemployment Rate January , , % June , , % January , , % June , , % January , , % June , , % January , , % June , % January , , % June ,940 1,000 16, % Source: Nevada Employment Security Department, Carson City, Nevada 6

12 Table 4. Taxable Sales for Elko County, Year minal Taxable Sales Real Taxable Sales* 1988 $362,708, , ,497, ,994, ,378, ,714, ,289, ,911, ,978, ,549, ,190, ,414,460 Source: Annual Sales Tax Reports. Nevada Tax Commission, Various Issues *minal values deflated by employing the implicit price deflator for personal consumption expenditure 1987 =

13 Table 5. Employment by Major Economic Sector for Elko County, Agriculture 1,127 1,093 1, Agricultural Services Mining 1,126 1,234 1,347 1,440 1,446 Construction 1,599 1,538 1,398 1,345 1,123 Manufacturing Transportation & Public Utilities & Communications Wholesale Trade Retail Trade 2,355 2,839 2,771 2,747 2,928 Finance, Insurance & Real Estate Services 6,474 7,228 7,578 7,782 8,218 Federal Government, Civilian Federal Government, Military State and Local Government 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,

14 Table 6. Personal Income by Major Source for Elko County, Total Personal Income ($1,000) 487, , , , ,034 Selected Categories* Net Industry Earnings ($1,000) 389, , , , ,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 Personal Income (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,

15 Table 7. Selected Population and Housing Characteristics , Elko County, Nevada Total Population 33,530 Total Housing Units 13,461 SEX OCCUPANCY & TENURE Male 17,841 Occupied Housing Units 11,777 Female 15,689 Owner occupied 7,592 Percent owner occupied 64.5 AGE Renter occupied 4,185 Under 5 years 3,229 Vacant housing units 1,684 5 to 17 years 7,581 For seasonal, recreational 395 or occasional use 18 to 20 years 1, 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, to 59 years 1,129 Persons per owneroccupied unit 60 to 64 years 869 Persons per renteroccupied 2.55 unit 65 to 74 years 1,241 Units with over 1 person 1,007 per room 75 to 84 years years and over 175 UNITS IN STRUCTURE Median age unit, detached 5,965 1-unit, attached 163 Under 18 years 10,810 2 to 4 units 1,282 Percent of Total to 9 units 470 Population 65 years and over 2, or more units 495 Percent of total 6.1 Mobile home, trailer or 5,086 population other HOUSEHOLDS BY VALUE TYPE Total households 11,777 Specified owner-occupied 3,820 units Family households 8,486 Less than $50, (families) Married-couple families 7,035 $$50,000 to $99,999 2,

16 Table 7. Continued. Source: 1990 Census Percent of total 59.7 $100,000 to $149, households Other family, male 547 $150,000 to $199, household Other family, female 904 $200,000 to $299, household nfamily households 3,291 $300,000 or more 23 Percent of total 27.9 Median (dollars) 81,600 households Householder living alone 2,635 Householder 65 years and 629 CONTRACT RENT over Persons living in 32,905 Renter-occupied units 3,682 households paying cash rent Persons per household 2.79 Less than $ $250 to $499 2,093 GROUP QUARTERS $500 to $ Persons living in group 625 $750 to $ quarters Institutionalized persons 520 $1,000 or more 5 Other persons in group 105 Median (dollars) 359 quarters RACE & HISPANIC ORIGIN RACE & HISPANIC ORIGIN OF HOUSEHOLDER White 28,970 Occupied housing units 11,777 Black 266 White 10,438 Percent of total 0.8 Black 37 population American Indian, Eskimo 2,128 Percent of occupied units 0.3 or Aleut Percent of total 6.3 American Indian, Eskimo 691 population or Aleut Asian or Pacific Islander 277 Percent of occupied units 5.9 Percent of total 0.8 Asian or Pacific Islander 77 population Other race 1,889 Percent of occupied units 0.7 Hispanic origin (of any 4,339 Other race 534 race) Percent of total 12.9 Hispanic origin (of any 1,241 population race) Percent of occupied units

17 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. 12

18 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. 13

19 Table 8. Materials in Waste Generation and Materials Considered Recyclable by Firms. Percentage of Firms: Materials Materials in Waste Generation (%) Materials Considered Recyclable (%) Aluminum Glass Newspaper White Office Paper Computer Paper Plastic Tin Cans Oil Plastic Bags Tires Chemical Other

20 Table 9. Proportion of Firm Responses Concerning Recycle Workshops Offered by rthern Nevada Community College Response Would t Attend Workshop Do t Know if They Would Attend Workshop Would Attend Workshop Proportion of Firms 10% 45% 45% 15

21 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 rthern 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 rthern 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 rthern 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. ne replied that they obtained information on recycling from rthern 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. 16

22 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. 17

23 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 rthern 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 pickups and disposes of local Elko County business waste stream may offer opportunities. 18

24 APPENDIX A ELKO COUNTY RECYCLING QUESTIONNAIRE 19

25 Cover Page for Interview Company Name: Address: Contact Person: Phone Number: Date: 20

26 Introduction: Hello, my name is. I am working with the rthern Nevada Community College and rth East Economic Development Authority on a study of recycling. The purpose of the study is to estimate rates of adoption of recycling materials by Elko County businesses and develop programs to enhance the use of recycled products. The questionnaire will ask you about your operation and use of recycled products. Your questionnaire will be held in strict confidence. 1. In your everyday operation, which materials that you use would you consider recyclable? Aluminum Glass Newspaper White Office Paper Computer Paper Plastic Tin Cans Oil Plastic Bags Tires Chemical Waste Others 21

27 2. Are you currently involved in recycling? (Go to Question #8) (Go to Question #3) Do not know (Go to Question #3) 3. Reasons for not recycling: Do not use goods/materials that can be recycled Are not aware which goods and materials could be recycled Cost associated with recycling Accessibility of recycling outlets Time required to prepare goods for recycling Lack of knowledge as to how to set up an internal recycling program Other: 4. Even though your company currently does not recycle, would you be willing in the future to purchase goods/products with recyclable components? Maybe Do not know 5. If your company in the future investigates the possibility of purchase vs. non-purchase of recycled products, what are the factors that would enter into your decision? Price Quality Accessibility Ability to dispose of Positive Company Image t Important Somewhat Important Neutral Important Very Important 22

28 6. Referring to Question 5, if price is an important factor in your future consideration of use of recycled products, please answer the following: a). Would you use recycled products if the per unit cost were the same as inputs currently in use? b.) Would you use recycled products if the per unit cost were 1% to 5% higher than current input costs? c.) Would you use recycled products if the per unit cost were greater than 5% higher than current input costs? 7. Would you attend a seminar on recycling for business if offered by rthern Nevada Community College: Do not know Go to Question # Which goods/materials are you currently recycling? Aluminum Glass Newspaper White Office Paper Computer Paper Plastic Tin Cans Oil Plastic Bags Tires question continues on next page 23

29 Chemical Waste Others 9. Why do you recycle? To comply with regulations Improve the environment Positive company image To serve an environmentally conscious customer group Financial gains from sale of recyclable products Do not know Other: 24

30 10. What has been your major source of information about recycling? Magazines and newspaper Other businesses State of Nevada Environmental Protection Agency U.S. Environmental Protection Agency rthern Nevada Community College programs Other: 11. Would you say your company consciously purchases goods/materials that are recyclable? Maybe Do not know 12. Would you be willing to purchase goods/materials with recycled components? Maybe Do not know 13. In your decision to purchase or not purchase recycled products, what are the factors that entered into your decision? Price Quality Accessibility Ability to dispose of Positive Company Image t Important Somewhat Important Neutral Important Very Important 25

31 14. If price from Question 13 is an important factor in your purchase of recyclable products please answer the following. (Please circle your answers). a.) Was the cost of recycled inputs the same as inputs which had no recycled products? b.) Was cost of recycled inputs 1% to 5% higher than inputs which had no recycled products? c.) Was cost of recycled inputs 5% or higher than inputs which had no recycled products? 15. Are consumers willing to pay more for outputs made from recycled products? 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 disposal Collected by independent contractor service for recycling. Dropped off at recycling outlet Other: 17. If given a definite location, would you be willing to drop off recyclables? Maybe Do not know 26

32 18. If someone was willing to come by your operation to pick up recyclables, would be willing to participate? (Go to Question #16) Maybe (Go to Question #16) (Go to Question #19) Do not know (Go to Question #19) 19. How often would you like on-site pick-up? Once per week Twice per week Once every two weeks Once a month Other: 20. What services would you expect from this program? Dependable scheduled pick-ups Separation 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 week Other: 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 month Over $20.00 per month 22. Number of employees in your operation: 23. Do you take consultant advise for managing your operation? 27

33 24. How many years has your firm been in operation? 25. Is the firm a local enterprise? 26. Do your firm use a computer for record keeping? 26a. If yes, how many years? 27. Approximately what has been the average value of total production or sales of your firm over the past 3 years? 28. Would you like to be sent a copy of the accumulated survey results? Thank you for your time and patience in answering this questionnaire. Be assured that your answers will be held in strict confidence. 28

34 Contact Person: Phone Number: 1. Are you currently involved in recycling? Do not know 2. Which waste materials generated in your business operation do you currently recycle? NONE Aluminum Glass Newspaper White Office Paper Computer Paper Plastic Tin Cans Oil Plastic Bags Tires Chemical Waste (please list) Others (please specify) 29

35 3. Which of the listed materials would you consider recyclable? Aluminum Glass Newspaper White Office Paper Computer Paper Plastic Tin Cans Oil Plastic Bags Tires Chemical Waste Others 4. Which materials are included in waste generated by your business operation? Aluminum Glass Newspaper White Office Paper Computer Paper Plastic Tin Cans Oil Plastic Bags Tires Chemical Waste Others (Please list) 30

36 5. If you don t recycle, what are the reasons for not recycling: Do not use goods/materials that can be recycled Are not aware which goods and materials could be recycled Cost associated with recycling Accessibility of recycling pickup points Time required to prepare goods for recycling Lack of knowledge as to how to set up an internal recycling program t applicable Other: 6. Would you attend a seminar on recycling for business if offered by rthern Nevada Community College: Do not know 31

37 7. Please indicate your price sensitivity in respect to the use of recycled products in your business. (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? b.) Would you use recycled products if the per unit cost were 1% to 5% higher than current input costs? c.) Would you use recycled products if the per unit cost were greater than 5% higher than current input costs? 32

38 8. Why do you recycle? Do not recycle To comply with regulations Improve the environment Positive company image To serve an environmentally conscious customer group Financial gains from sale of recyclable material Do not know Other: 9. What has been your major source of information about recycling? Magazines and newspaper Other businesses State of Nevada Environmental Protection Agency U.S. Environmental Protection Agency rthern Nevada Community College programs Scrap dealer/collector Other: 10. Would you say your company consciously purchases goods/materials that are recyclable/recycled? Maybe Do not know 33

39 11. Would you be willing to purchase goods/materials with recycled components? Maybe Do not know 12. In your decision to purchase or not purchase recycled products, please indicate the importance of the factors that entered into your decision? Price Quality Accessibility Ability to dispose of Positive Company Image Other (please list) t Important Somewhat Important Neutral Important Very Important 13. Are consumers willing to pay more for outputs made from recycled products? 14. If you currently recycle waste materials generated during the operation your business, how do you dispose of the portion that is recycled. Don t Recycle any waste materials Collected by independent contractor service for recycling. Dropped off at recycling outlet Other: 34

40 15. How do you dispose of your waste material which is not recycled? Collected by county/city/town weekly trash pickup for landfill disposal Collected by independent contractor for landfill disposal Other 16. If given a definite location, would you be willing to drop off recyclable materials? Maybe Do not know 17. If someone was willing to come by your operation to pick up recyclables, would you be willing to participate? Maybe Do not know 18. How often would you like on-site pick-up? Do not want pickup Once per week Twice per week Once every two weeks Once a month Other: 35

41 19. What services would you expect from this program? Dependable scheduled pick-ups Separation 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 week Other: 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 month Over $20.00 per month 36

42 21. Number of employees in your operation: 22. Do you take consultant advise for managing your operation? 23. How many years has your firm been in operation? 24. Is the firm a local enterprise? 25. Does your firm use a computer for record keeping? 25a. If yes, for how many years? 26. Approximately what has been the average annual value of total production or sales of your firm over the past 3 years? 27. Would you like to be sent a copy of the accumulated survey results? Any general comments regarding recycling? Thank you for your time and patience in answering this questionnaire. Be assured that your answers will be held in strict confidence. 37