Economic incentives would motivate more local families to recycle, according to a study done in Chattanooga, Tennessee.    

The study was performed by the Community Research Council.  The Times Free Presshighlights some key findings:

• 30 percent of non-regular recyclers said they would recycle more if they received a 50 dollar annual property tax rebate
• 22 percent said they would recycle more if they received discounts at local stores
• 20 percent of non-regular recyclers reported they would recycle more under an increase in curbside recycling
• 52 percent of those surveyed reported recycling regularly

A summary of the study was sent to the mayor and city council. The Community Research Council concluded that although an expanded curbside program would help, the city should also consider alternatives like an economic stimulus plan.

Find out what your city or state is doing with our Act Locally section.