Environmental pollution is a major concern for many stakeholders due to the adversities associated with this practice. It is well known that human beings in general like to enjoy comfort and convenience at the lowest possible cost. The result of this has been a focus on short-term gains with little or no thought about the long-term consequences of our behavior. Environmental problems are generally long-term and their solution will only be possible at a higher cost if the solution is not implemented early enough. Solid waste management presents many challenges, especially when recycling issues arise. Solid waste management through recycling is linked to changing population behavior. According to environmental psychologists, recycling has been called a “common dilemma.” This means that natural resources are overexploited due to the existing conflict between individual and collective interests. Nevertheless, the government has taken a central place in environmental conservation through the initiation of recycling programs. The purpose of this article is to explore the implications of involving federal and state agencies, including the military, in recycling programs that include the provision of rewards and incentives for those who meet recycling goals on the one hand, and punitive measures for those who do not recycle. Recycling: Recycling has been identified as the best model for solid waste management in the public interest. The reuse of resources has been welcomed by most people and therefore there is a need to change the attitudes of individuals to encourage recycling as a solid waste management strategy. Recycling...... middle of paper...... The arguments against recycling America's waste. (1990). Retrieved February 22, 2010 from: http://www.newscientist.com/article/mg12717333.500-the-case-against-recycling-the-uss-waste-.html Heimlich, E. Joe. Recycling. (2010). Retrieved February 22, 2010 from ; http://ohioline.osu.edu/cd-fact/0108.htmlHerocious. Argument against recycling. (2010). Retrieved February 22, 2010 from ; http://theopenend.com/2009/08/25/argument-against-recycling/National Recycling Coalition. The top 10 reasons to recycle. (2010). Retrieved February 22, 2010 from ; http://www.nrc-recycle.org/top10reasonstorecycle.aspxZaikowski, Lori (ed.). Solid Waste Disposal Act and Resource Conservation & Recovery Act, United States. (2007). Retrieved February 22, 2010 from ; http://www.eoearth.org/article/Solid_Waste_Disposal_Act_and_Resource_Conservation_&_Recovery_Act,_United_States