Impressive, Anne! Recycling is hit-or-miss in the U. S. There’s no national or state system or regulations. It’s all handled locally by cities, towns, or perhaps, counties. And, very few places enforce recycling by charging penalties, so lazy or uncaring people simply don’t participate. I believe San Francisco has one of the most extensive recycling programs and people are fined for putting recyclables in the regular garbage can.

My county provides 2 recycling bins for each household, but many ignore them. One is for paper and cardboard and the other for cans, bottles, and plastic. And, a garbage can for everything else that isn’t considered hazardous. There are a few collection sites for things like paint, electronics, batteries, metal, and unrecyclable plastics. Food waste goes in the regular garbage can unless you compost it yourself.

I have great admiration for Germany’s recycling efforts. I wish the U. S. had a standard, enforceable program. Many places here have no recycling program at all.