From what I have previously read about Space X, they intend to have every stage including the payload capsule return back to a landing area under it's own power. Every component will be recovered for reuse, except for fuel. They are intending to build ever larger delivery vehicles that can send 100 persons at one time, and return it to a landing area, similar to that of a commercial aircraft. Can you imagine the cost of an airplane ticket cross-country if the airplane was only used once? It's all about getting the cost way down.
But at what cost? It's a paradox, a conundrum.