Recycling has long been sold as a win-win: good for the planet and good for the wallet. Blue bins line the curbs, bottles get sorted, and families feel like they’re doing their part to keep the world clean. But lately, questions are surfacing about whether these programs are actually draining more cash from households than they return in benefits.
Behind the green image lies a tangle of costs, hidden fees, and logistical challenges that don’t always add up in consumers’ favor. Could it be that recycling, as it currently operates, is more expensive than most people realize?
