Curbside recycling: Waste resource or waste of resources?

In this paper, we address the often contentious debate over state and local recycling policy by carefully estimating the social net benefit of curbside recycling. Benefits are estimated using household survey data from over 4,000 households across 40 western U.S. cities. We calibrate household willingnesstopay for hypothetical bias using an innovative experimental design that contrasts stated and revealed preferences. Cost estimates are compiled from previous studies by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the Institute for Local Self Reliance, and from indepth interviews with recycling coordinators in our sampled cities. Across our sample of cities, we find that the estimated mean social net benefit of curbside recycling is almost exactly zero. On a citybycity basis, however, our social netbenefit analysis often makes clear predictions about whether a curbside recycling program is an efficient use of resources. Surprisingly, several curbside recycling programs in our sample appear to be inefficient. © 2006 by the Association for Public Policy Analysis and Management.     

Accidental death by gunshot wound — fact or fiction

Accidental deaths by firearm injury were studied over 11 years, 1972–1982, in Metro-Dade County. A total of 54 cases were studied. After noting the percentage of the cases that occurred by year, the age, race, sex, of the victim were tabulated. Type of weapon, body part involved, whether self-inflicted or not, blood alcohol of victim were also studied along with scene circumstances. A final admonition to the reader on how to handle such cases is discussed.