The Economics of Recycling

Is it worth the effort?

Introduction

In the late 1980s, acting on fears that landfill space was running out, communities across the country began curbside collection of paper, glass, metal and plastic waste. Polls suggest that Americans strongly support recycling, despite the fact that the United States remains the world's leading “throwaway society.” But critics say recycling is often a wasted effort, helping consumers' consciences more than the environment or the economy. Markets for recycled materials are notoriously volatile, and it often costs more to recycle waste than it does to simply bury it in a landfill. Recycling supporters, however, say the benefits of recycling far outweigh its drawbacks and predict a strong market for recycled materials in the future.

(Photo Credit: © Photodisc)

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