Pratap:

I don't doubt that such enterprises can be profitable, but let's  look
at how they make their money.
For example, let's say a recycler has operating costs of  $100 dollars a
ton for his output. He derives $90 per ton in revenues from selling that
output to his customers. The government gives him a subsidy of  $15 per
ton. Voila - a $5 per ton profit. A nice profitable business, as long as
you can con the taxpayers (who in all likelihood are totally unaware of
the fact that they are subsidizing this enterprise) into supporting this.

I have never said that recycling is not or cannot be profitable or
environmentally sound. My issue with those who make blanket statements
about all recycling being good for business and good for the
environment. My position has always been that for some commodities in
some places recycling makes sense, for other commodities at other places
it make no sense.

Chuck



Pratap Singh wrote:

>Chuck,
>
>Private businesses do not continue to run, if they do not make money or see
>money in the future operations. Also it is not true that they will not
>charge fees for waste collection, if they are making money from the waste.
>
>By the way, there is money in recycling. Here is the example:
>
>I collect grass clippings, and fallen leaves at every mowing of the yard
>(about 5-6 cubic feet every month). Add to it kitchen waste and put in
>compost pile (a total of 80-100 cubic feet per year). At the end of the
>year, it makes about 40-45 cubic feet of rich, black compost good for the
>garden and flower beds. The total value returned is about $ 50.00 at the
>prevailing rates (2 cubic foot bag at $ 2.99) after deducting water cost ($
>10.00) added to the pile to keep it moist during decomposition.  In addition
>it saves $$ by reducing waste transport cost, and landfill volume reduction
>thereby increasing its life span.
>
>This is just a small example. Similar savings may be computed (estimated)
>for paper, glass, and aluminum recycling. Thanks
>
>
>pratap singh
>____________________________________
>Tel/Fax: 512-255-6820; Cell: 512-663-8903
>www.rampinc.com ; EMail: [log in to unmask]
>
>
>
>
>