[greenyes] Dell grants

[CUYLER Alex D <Alex.D.CUYLER@no.address>]

I was intrigued by Helen Spiegleman's comments on the Dell tracking system
for used computers and peripherals.  The phrase she used, "reverse
distribution" deserves some analysis.  In looking at the economic
implications of reverse distribution, how will it compare with the
distribution of new goods and services?  Money will be spent on many of the
same features: trucking, advertising, packaging, administration, etc.  What
is the job creation potential here?  How do these expenses compare with the
traditional expenses associated with delivering these materials to a
landfill or burner?  Can we use this kind of analysis to show the economic
value of product stewardship activities? In terms of who pays for these
efforts, is there a comparison that can be made between traditional tax
based economic development activities and product stewardship "fees"?  In
other words, if I pay $10.00 at the point of sale for the appropriate
disposal of my computer, is this $10 more or less effective (in economic
development terms) than the same $10.00 that I pay in local, state, or
federal taxes? -- AC

Alex Cuyler
Recycling and Solid Waste Specialist
City of Eugene Planning and Development Department
phone: (541) 682-6830 
fax:      (541) 682-6806