Case Study: Take it Back Network:

The objective of this independent study is to conduct an in-depth case study on the Take it Back Network (TIBN) developed by the Washington Citizens for Resource Conservation (WCRC). I want to gain a strong overview and understanding of the network and learn the “how’s” and “why’s” of it – how did the program get started and why? Why has it been successful or what has hindered its success? In addition, I want to compare Washington states’ TIBN to other similar programs across the county to achieve stronger insights and draw stronger conclusions about the TIBN in Washington. Lastly, a main objective for conducting this case study is to help me move forward with my change project. The TIBN is a step toward reaching Product Stewardship, which is my area of interest for my change project. The network is a way to fill the gap between manufacturers and their products until they become completely responsible for the collection of their products at the end of their use. By conducting a case study on the TIBN I will better understand the concepts behind product stewardship as well as the techniques, methods and tools needed to make the shift toward product stewardship successful.

Learning Goals:

• To learn about the Washington Citizens for Resource Conservation’s Take it Back Network and gain a strong overall understanding of the program: How did it get started and why? What is the organization’s purpose? What order of change is it attempting to create (first, second or third)?
• To learn why or why not the TIBN has been successful: What factors have made the program successful? What has impeded the program from certain successes?
• To explore the ways and methods in which the TIBN approaches businesses or local governments to urge them to implement the program as well as the ways the TIBN introduces new ideas and concepts related to the program to the people they are trying to get involved.
• To learn about other programs that different states have implemented similar to the TIBN and compare them.