Politics Quote by Thomas Sowell
““Where recyling takes place only in response to political pressures and exhortations, it need not meet the test of being incrementally worth its incremental costs. Accordingly, studies of government-imposed recycling programs in the United States have shown that what they salvage is usually worth less than the cost of salvaging it.””
About This Quote
Source Study: US Government Recycling Programs, 1990s
Recycling driven by policy often costs more than the material recovered, questioning its economic efficiency.
In simple terms: Policy‑driven recycling can be uneconomical.
Key Takeaway
Evaluate cost‑benefit before implementing recycling mandates.
Themes
economics
environment
policy
efficiency
Mood
critical
analytical
Type
policy
economic
When to use this quote
- municipal waste management
- corporate sustainability programs
- consumer recycling incentives
Key Concepts
externalities
public choice
cost‑benefit analysis
Questions to Reflect On
- How can we balance environmental goals with economic realities?
- What alternative waste reduction strategies could be more cost‑effective?
A Different Perspective
May overlook long‑term environmental benefits beyond immediate costs.
