[roymurdock]

> if X were worthwhile, X would already be happening; as X is not happening, it cannot be worthwhile

You misquote me. I make no such value judgment.

My original argument: If recycling were more efficient, it would be privately profitable, and a competitive recycling market would develop.

If we as a society believe recycling to be worthwhile, we should work to increase the efficiency of recycling to >5% to cover the costs associated with recycling. Alternatively we could continue to subsidize the logistical costs of recycling as we do now.