Reconsider recycling

After decades of lobbying by environmentalists and extensive implementation of voluntary programs, municipal solid waste (MSW) recycling recently received widespread official acceptance. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has set a national goal that 25% of MSW be recycled. Forty-one states plus the District of Columbia have set recycling goals that range up to 70%. Twenty-nine states require municipalities or counties to enact recycling ordinances or to develop recycling programs. Before celebrating this achievement. however, we need to take a hard look at the price of victory and the value of the spoils.