Exactly 0% of these systems are 100% perfect 100% of the time. Coastal regions are especially problematic in this regard, since all it takes is wind to carry u

Exactly 0% of these systems are 100% perfect 100% of the time. Coastal regions are especially problematic in this regard, since all it takes is wind to carry uncontained litter out to sea. Recycling bins get blown or knocked over distributing their contents on a frequent basis. People collect recyclables from bins in an attempt to earn income, the stuff collected is not reliably delivered to the recycling center. I've seen drunken idiots kick over recycling bins in SF on more than one occasion, from locations with line of sight to either the bay or the Pacific. Vehicles transporting trash and recyclables are not 100% perfect. I've followed numerous "Recology" trucks in the SF bay area with trash flying out from under the mesh net they use to cover the trailer - it's unattached on the long edges. Population centers are continuously adding uncontrolled trash to the environment. When they happen to be coastal, much of it goes to sea. Recycling is most effective at giving people an impression of a 100% closed system and enabling them to continue purchasing individually packages plastic disposable^Wrecyclable goods. The actual implementation of recycling goes off a cliff the moment the bins move outside, but most people don't interact with it after that point, so the theatre is mostly effective. This isn't even considering the fact that recycling companies are sometimes corrupt and simply dump the waste wherever is convenient rather than fulfilling their obligations.