But I think if we were to legislate that manufacturers must assume responsibility for the eventual disposal of their products, we would get much closer to the real cost of the commodities we use every day. I am increasingly frustrated that we are a throwaway society rather than a responsible one. We usually make the convenient rather than the responsible choice. We need a new standard. As Rash points out, local governments do much of the job for free.
Companies therefore have no incentive to cut down on waste.
No doubt, many people and companies are already so motivated. The above letter conveys a personal view not necessarily shared by the writer's employer. I enjoyed reading Wayne Rash's column on what to do with old computer equipment, the reels used for fiber wire and so forth. There are means available to recycle and reuse old machines. Perhaps we can learn from the Europeans and cost out the costs of recycling up front.