"Zero Waste"? Is it a good idea what one Japanese mayor wants to do?

Question

Read the article here: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/science/nature/7502071.stm

Will it work? What is your opinion?

Answer 1

Any and all efforts to recycle/reuse have merit.

The trick comes with deciding on methodology. Can the consumer be convinced to separate and recycle in a meaningful way/ Can municipalities design and construct facilities which can accommodate large volumes of recyclables without adding atmospheric toxins? How do garbage collection truck keep various waste materials separate?

As you can see, I have more questions than answers. But,I'm sure you will hear from the scientific types with hard data shortly. My observation is that I consider all efforts to  reach a zero waste goal as meritorious. Not so sure about the practical mechanics.