Yes. Recyclables have value and once separated from trash and collected as recyclables, are rarely thrown into landfills (4). Recyclables are sold to markets for a profit (revenues can vary depending on local and international economies). For example, in early 2011 the regional value for sorted and baled cardboard sold as a commodity had a value of $160- $170/ton, mixed plastic was $160-$180/ton, and aluminum was over $1,500/ton (5). It does not make business sense to separately collect recyclables and then pay to put something in a landfill that has value in the markets. (6) It is worth noting that economics for recycling are more challenging in Colorado compared to coastal states with Front Range landfill rates around $11-15/ton and our distance to some markets.