I wish to reclaim the word "r*tard*d" specifically for the state of mind of the average Toronto resident who is staring at a pile of crap that they know should go in the garbage, but somehow thinks divinity will prevail to make it recyclable. Their eyes close to within 15 degrees and into the blue box it goes.

Special mention would go to the City of Toronto recycling folk, who for years practiced the worst (either too vague or out of date) kinds of education campaigns as far as what is recyclable. Those posters would mention a handful of things and forget about giant items like plastic wrap- the stuff that shows up with everything you buy. They're getting better now, but they need their budget quadrupled to truly educate.