Another absolutely brilliant episode revealing the absolute scam that is recycling.
When Browning Ferris Industries were legislated to provide recycling here in the Bay Area, I noted a rate increase. I called the phone number provided if you, me, the consumer, had any questions. I simply called to ask about the rate increase and what justified the cost.
Well, the phone number turned out to be a martial arts studio that had had that phone number for over 20 years. And, when I did get the person in charge of the recycling program (some woman in the local county government), she went on to tell me about home composting. I caught her in every lie, but, being in local government, and in an appointed position, she knew she was immovable.
That's when I decided not to recycle anymore. I eventually broke down, and did separate my trash, but after seeing this episode? Not anymore.
Penn and Teller expose the complete lie of recycling. There is one legitimate useful aspect of recycling, but you'll have to watch the episode to discover why. But, the bulk of this installment of "Bullsh*t!" is to show the fraud, the scam, the lie, the complete swindle and theft of tax dollars, is exposed in this show.
I truly was dumbfounded. For even though I argued with some lady over the phone over 25 years ago, knowing I was right (and I was then, and am now), I eventually decided that if there were people who were truly sorting through my refuse in search of use-able materials, then it was worth while. But it did nag at me that if private industry was using these materials, that is they were buying them, then why the hell was I having to pay more for junk (literally junk!) that was going to be resold?!
But Penn and Teller go a step further, and even show us, the viewing audience, what actually happens to most of that material anyway. I was thunderstruck. And as I write this review, I am whatever is beyond outraged.
They of course do their little tests on some hapless subjects, but all in good fun, and to illustrate a point. And, further, they actually talk to some officials in Los Angeles County to who give the straight dope on the merits of recycling verse not doing so.
Absolutely magnificent.
