It goes to show that recycling is not practical nor is it in any way supported by science. It is a tenet of the green religion, so to question it is to commit blasphemy.
Recycling aluminum cans is probably worth the trouble. We stockpile ferrous metals at home until I have a ton or so to make it worth the trip. Recycling electronics to get the precious and rare earth metals is probably worth it. Plastics? Fuggedabout ever getting them clean enough to reuse. Chip and landfill them until they're worth mining. Paper? Better to burn for heat or compost it. Tires? I have no clue. Food and yard waste we compost anyway.