Wow, great investigative work and report.  I always knew it cost more to collect and disseminate recyclables and everyone does it for the right reasons.  However, given the economics we should probably nix the curbside program and opt for H-power, while continuing to collect from large commercial operations where there may be better economies of scale, such as hotels and businesses.  That way we can keep some recyclables in the loop.  As for individual households the city needs to provide a more efficient and convenient way to bring in recyclables so people don't end up spending more in gas and time than they get from bringing their bottles and cans in.  An example would be like Oregon where you can bring your bottles and cans right into the supermarket where you purchased them and get a discount on what your buy on the way out.  Simple, one trip, efficient and makes too much sense for our political "followers" to deliver.