Maximise Recycling

We use huge amounts of energy and raw materials to produce a growing array of items, but we still recycle only a fraction of what is profitable - and even less of what would be desirable when all environmental costs are taken into consideration.  Recycling rates are particularly low for plastic -just 9% -half of which ends up in landfill.  Less than 20% of electronic waste is recycled, even though it contains more gold, silver, copper and rare-earth metals than any known mineral ores.  Only about 60% of paper is recycled.  Globally, some 3/4 of aluminium is recycled, but national rates can be far lower:  in the US, it is just 50%.  The benefits of recycling are well known, technical solutions are available and opportunities abound.  There is no excuse.  We should be doing better.