Why is an empty bottle trash in most states and a nickel or a dime in others?

Question

Didn't Kramer and the Newman try to take a bunch of empties across the country on Seinfeld?

Answer 1

Because the cost of recycling varies depending on the state. And it's up to the individual states whether or not they choose to recycle. Bottom-line, it's a cost benefit analysis of whether recycling is worth the expense.

Answer 2

Some states have a recycling program in place that pays for recycleable items.