The Rural City Sustainability Challenge

Abstract

Recycling programs are an essential part of waste management within a city; however, many rural and small cities have a difficult time implementing a recycling program. Through a qualitative analysis of Moses Lake, Washington and Helena, Montana, I have studied the necessary components for a successful recycling program. Education, participation, and costs are the three areas that must be addressed in order for a city to implement a sustainable recycling program. Moses Lake, WA program, though only a year old in 2012, has all successfully achieved all three components. The last chapter provides a public policy for Helena, MT modeled after Moses Lake, WA and the findings throughout the paper.