The demand for, and prices of recycled materials are heavily influenced by the availability and prices of comparable virgin materials. End users prefer to use virgin materials rather than recycled materials if availability and prices are the same. As a result, recycled materials have difficulty competing with virgin materials unless there are price advantages. The demand for recycled materials is greatest when virgin materials are in short supply. If markets for recyclables are to be strong, individual and business consumers must put priority on purchasing products having recycled material content.
Recycling is a business.
Like other commercial enterprises, recycling businesses are profit-motivated. Most must survive in a competitive environment. They try to delivery services and products that meet customer needs with favorable returns. The one unique thing about recycling businesses is that their raw materials and products are used materials. Getting your recyclable materials to a collection point is the first step of the process in the recycling system.