Government involvement in EPR and waste management policy - Based on two cases in California, U.S.

In English Our investigation of two EPR and waste management programs in California, U.S. revealed two common features: involvement of the state government is small, and the establishment of concrete recycling/waste management systems is to a large extent left in the hands of entities who have direct responsibility for their implementation. Based on the degree of government involvement, we categorized recycling and waste management systems in which two entities - producers and municipalities - are engaged, and analysed their strengths and weaknesses. Our finding indicates that much government involvement does not necessarily mean that producer's obligation becomes larger. Further study is needed to examine how to enhance the effectiveness of a program while maintaining its strengths: flexibility and lessened burdens of the government.