Isn't MORE Recycling the Whole Point?

re: Isn't MORE Recycling the Whole Point?

Ronorama — Mon, 14 Jul 2008 21:47:16 GMT

You're right, Gene. Point taken.

re: Isn't MORE Recycling the Whole Point?

Gene Callahan — Mon, 14 Jul 2008 17:30:41 GMT

"However, the fact that they're being stolen specifically for recycling would seem to indicate that they're more valuable as recycled material than as actual newspapers, which should probably inspire the advertisers to rethink that particular marketing choice."

No, it means they are more valuable TO THAT PERSON as recycled material than as actual newspapers! If someone draws graffiti on the side of your house, do you decide "it's more valuable as an art canvas than as a domicile"?

re: Isn't MORE Recycling the Whole Point?

Yancey Ward — Fri, 11 Jul 2008 20:49:48 GMT

Ronorama,

Yes, it would seem to matter what the terms are of the present contracts waste pickup and disposal.

If the last part you wrote of comes to pass, that the trash isn't even yours in your home, then the motivations for the new laws will be completely clear.

re: Isn't MORE Recycling the Whole Point?

Ronorama — Fri, 11 Jul 2008 18:54:27 GMT

Yancey: "It is arguable that once the material is in the bins, even if it is at the curbside, it belongs to the government or it's contractors."

According to whom? If the homeowner had a contract with a refuse collector stating such, that would be valid. In this case, though, it's just because the government says so.

"If recycling becomes profitable enough, you will see multiple companies paying individuals directly to collect their recyclables..."

True, but I wouldn't be surprised of local governments still considered it theft if the homeowner sold his/her recyclables to a third party. The law requiring proof of ID and payment by check will serve to prevent that from happening.

re: Isn't MORE Recycling the Whole Point?

Yancey Ward — Fri, 11 Jul 2008 16:02:19 GMT

It is arguable that once the material is in the bins, even if it is at the curbside, it belongs to the government or it's contractors.

If recycling becomes profitable enough, you will see multiple companies paying individuals directly to collect their recyclables, and only the recyclables and leaving the lanfill refuse for the governments and their chosen few.