Allen Hershkowitz

Recycling involves using selected materials from garbage in the manufacture of new products, rather than burying the garbage in a landfill or burning it in an incinerator. In the following viewpoint, Allen Hershkowitz argues that recycling is a highly effective means of reducing pollution and conserving natural resources, and should be further encouraged. Recycling prevents garbage from being placed in landfills that may cause land and water pollution, he asserts. Hershkowitz is a senior scientist with the National Resources Defense Council, an environmentalist organization.

As you read, consider the following questions:

1. What in Hershkowitz’s view are some of the environmental problems associated with landfills"
2. How have recycling programs affected landfill capacity, according to the author"
3. How do the expenses of curbside recycling programs compare with those of trash disposal...