Steel, aluminum, glass, paper, plastic, and yard waste each presents a different set of issues. Recycling requirements have a potential to undermine the quality of industrial products and processes. The problem is that for most substances this value is not great because the ordinary raw materials used to make these substances are plentiful and cheap. Collecting, sorting and processing trash is expensive, and the costs far exceed the value of the materials recovered. The reality is that municipalities that expand recycling must cut other programs to subsidize the effort.
Most paper is made from trash wood or from small trees produced on tree farms.
Thus, recycling paper has little relevance to preserving majestic trees or old forests. Proven reserves of most resources are expanding and commodity prices are declining. Despite the defects in the arguments underlying MSW policies, governments are developing a whole new generation of misguided policies. Compulsory source reduction efforts. Efforts to hold manufacturers responsible for ultimate disposition, as exemplified by Germany's Green Dot program, and Advanced Disposal Fees.