Is more energy needed to recycle then is saved by recycling?

Question

is more energy used to recycle paper,plastic,etc than energy saved by recycling them.what im trying to say is it even more harmful to the environment to recycle than to not recycle.pls give examples.

Answer 1

No, it takes far more energy to make materials from virgin products (petroleum,ores, forests, etc.)  than it does to recycle especially with metals and glass.  But when you factor in reuse (which is done for more in Europe and Asia) the energy input is incredibly minimal.

Answer 2

Not really, although if you take into account that we have limited recycling plants for some products there may be more transportation costs. Paper has to be pulped wether it is virgin or recycled material. Metals often take less energy because they didn't need to be mined or separated from other materials. Glass is one of the best materials to recycle because it doesn't degrade.  

Answer 3

No it is cheaper to use recycled materials, to make new item, it also saves the natural resources.