The results show that the benefits of recycling far outweigh the new burdens of recyclables collection, processing and transport. Lead and mercury leak out of things such as batteries. The liquid that drains from and through landfills holds the potential to contaminate groundwater. Also the decomposition of paper and other materials create gases that contain volatile organic chemicals. The greater the demand for the space relative to its supply, the higher the price.
Recycling avoids the cost of disposing of materials in landfills.
We shouldn't necessarily expect recycling to either. The real need is to look at the costs that recycling adds over the long run compared to the long run costs of landfilling. A snapshot of today's costs do not tell enough of the story.