Why don’t people recycle as much as they know they should?

Major problem with recycling as a whole is that the companies that DO, only do IF the stuff they recycle has sell-on value.

It's all very well saving tin cans or newspapers or glass etc. but if the recycle value drops to below a certain rate it doesn't pay for the collection of it.

That. Plus the fact that fewer people buy newspapers; glass bottles or tin trays these days. Preferring to use pre-packed produce which is un-recyclable anyway.

Laziness, or perhaps they think someone else will pick up the slack and do it for 'em.

cost. I find it unbelievable they charge me extra to have a recycle can along with my garbage can. seems like they should promote recycling. Anyway, several neighbors have opted-out due to cost.

Aside from aluminum you shouldn't be recycling as the transport and treatment cycle are more wasteful than throwing it out

Just about everyone does where I live.