Jay E. asked:


I have always been under the impression that recycling was a solid-waste management issue, and not an energy conservation / CO2 reduction issue. That recycling actually uses more energy (and thereby contributes to global warming) than simply making something from the raw materials.

However, I see so many people that believe recycling will help reduce the threat of global warming. Is this simply a case of mis-information propagated by the media and interest groups, or is there actual scientific fact that supports this belief?

I realize that everyone has an opinion, but I am looking for facts that either support or debunk the notion that recycling will reduce global warming.

P.S. I realize that aluminum recycling actually does conserve energy, but I am talking about the much more widespread recycling of paper and plastic materials.

Jared