Norm-based feedback on household waste: Large-scale field experiments in two Swedish municipalities
通过两个大规模随机对照实验，发现类似家庭能源报告的规范反馈信能减少7%-12%的居民垃圾量，效果主要来自回收增加，且一年后仍持续。
We conduct two large-scale randomized controlled trials to produce the first evidence that Home Energy Report-type norm feedback letters can be used to reduce household waste. We explore several feedback variants, including a novel short-run dynamic norm that emphasizes ongoing changes in waste behavior. Waste reductions are on the order of 7%–12% for all treatments, substantially larger than usually found in the energy or water domains. Effects are mostly driven by increased recycling of packaging and remain largely intact a year after the intervention ended. Feedback is highly cost-effective compared to alternative non-price waste policies. However, net social benefits depend on household preferences for receiving feedback, which we elicit in a valuation survey, and whether existing waste fees internalize the marginal social cost of waste. • We test the effect of Home Energy Report-type feedback on household waste. • In two large-scale experiments, residual (unsorted) waste is reduced by 7%–12%. • We elicit an incentive compatible measure of willingness to pay to receive feedback. • Net social benefit also depends on whether existing waste fees exceed external cost.