Did you know that there is progressive technology out there which can process garbage so that 75% to 85% is re-usable? Metals, Glass, Plastics and some Cardboard is recycled from trash that would otherwise rot in a landfill and release harmful emissions. (Even with Landfill gas recapture a large amount of methane seeps into the atmosphere-- and methane is one of the worst Green House gasses).
The best way to reduce our carbon footprint is to reuse materials and reduce the amount we have to mine and manufacturer. Sticking valuable recyclables in a landfill is just dumb policy. Furthermore much of the non-recyclables can be converted into a fuel. This fuel is made up of a high percentage of biogenic content -- think paper products made from wood -- and displaces coal when it is used to make power. Displacing coal generation with natural, biogenic generation is the way to go.
This video shows you how, in the UK, they wrap and seal this fuel for transport. This is a very enlightened approach that should be promoted more in the US.
Recycle, don't landfill!
