i've wondered about this for a while. recycling is one of things that sounds good, but does it actually have a net positive effect? according to an episode of the showtime penn & teller show on recycling, it sucks. is it overall good or bad? p&t obviouslyt think so, but their core argument seems to be that since recycling costs more than dumping in landfills, it is obviously a waste (except for aluminum cans; that they concede makes great sense). while the show is comedic in tone, it does make some grand ascertions, many of which it doesn't back up. for example, part of their argument is that it costs more energy (ie. electricity, fuel) to pickup, process, handle recyclables than it would to just get more of the raw materials (glass, paper), but they don't provide any real sources for this or any specifics. hm.

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Evan [ 05/18/2004 00:15]: A posting at straightdope.com wondered whether it was greener to flush kleenex or to toss it in the trash. Flushing won.