In many communities, garbage disposal--solid waste management--is the third largest municipal expenditure and a fast growing budget item. Many small local governments have controlled the growth of these costs by recycling up to 40% of the total solid waste they produce. This guidebook can help communities identify and develop opportunities available through recycling. Chapters cover: (1) recycling as part of an overall community strategy to deal with limited landfill space, rising disposal costs, stricter federal and state regulations, and environmental problems; (2) information gathering and problem assessment to locate the right solutions to solid waste problems; (3) locating buyers and creating a market for recycled materials; (4) making decisions in the design of a recycling program; and (5) educating the public through media coverage, flyers, school programs, and other approaches that encourage household and business participation. Appendices include state government recycling agencies; state recycling associations; a selected bibliography of 24 books, reports, journals, school curricula, and EPA publications; and an outline of financing options. (SV)