Who was it said that "if I'd known it was impossible I would not have
done it"?
I'm not proposing mixing recoverable and unrecoverable material.
I envisioned more *elaborate* home sorting to expand the types of items
now considered recycla/coverable. Seems as though a containerized/
compartmentalized home collection system could solve a lot of
the logistics between the home and the next stage, whatever
that was--and seems as though that would need to take place
more locally to the home than it does now, from what you are saying.
A major issue is cost, which would have to be paid for by the
manufacturer. Otherwise there is no feedback loop in the system
affecting consumers (who, I agree, have to feel the consequences
of wasteful behavior.) Materials difficult to dispose of have to rise
in price.
To assign cost you would have to sample the waste stream and use
statistical methods; at least, I don't see another way. But hey, that
would involve pressing for real accountability. . . .
Do you have links to the "permutations" you mentioned?
Carol