Title: The economics of packaging waste recycling in France: institutional framework and technological adoption

Authors: Christophe Defeuilley, Olivier Godard

Addresses: International Centre for Research on Environment and Development (CIRED), EHESS and CNRS, 19 rue Amelie, 75007 Paris, France. ' International Centre for Research on Environment and Development (CIRED), EHESS and CNRS, 19 rue Amelie, 75007 Paris, France

Abstract: This paper explores the main features of the new regime for packaging-waste management in France introduced in 1992. A description of the institutional organisation is followed by an analysis of how the packaging tax implemented in France may encourage recycling techniques, combined with waste-to-energy facilities. Nevertheless, this may be offset by weak or even negative incentives, which may lead to a sub-optimal equilibrium. The conclusion is that institutional conditions are directly affecting the investment behaviour of municipalities. The consequence will be a development of recycling far below the objectives of policy-makers.

Keywords: economics; France; incentives; packaging waste; waste management; recycling; packaging tax.

DOI: 10.1504/IJEP.1997.028319

International Journal of Environment and Pollution, 1997 Vol.7 No.4, pp.538 - 546

Published online: 16 Sep 2009 *

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