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Guess what, Mango? What's that, Will? So are you familiar with totes-m-goats? Please don't tell me you're going to start using that phrase. No, I'm not talking about the term, though now I'm Toots-M-Gote's going to start using it, but I'm talking about this weird man-goat mascot that they used in the Niagara Falls area, and you know is to help people start recycling more.

I can't say I've heard. talking about this weird man-goat mascot that they used in the Niagara Falls area, and, you know,

is to help people start recycling more. I can't say I've heard of that, and it sounds like a horrible idea. Did you say man-goat? I did, and it is super weird-looking. You should totally look up

toots-magoads. But, you know, supposedly since introducing this really bizarre mascot a few

years ago, recycling is actually up 50% in this really bizarre mascot a few years ago, recycling

is actually up 50% in this area.

And the amount of trash going to landfills has dropped by 20%.

Okay, so I just pulled them up.

And honestly, if I thought this scary looking mascot with a tiny goathead was going to

come after me, I'd start recycling, too.

Maybe it's just a scare tactic they're using. I don't know, but on the topic of how much we recycle, we've had several questions we've been meaning to get to and things like, you know, what's the state of recycling in the U.S.? And is it a good business to be in? Is it even worth it to recycle? And what are the weirdest things people can recycle now? It's

toots-time genius.

I'm Will Pearson, and as always, I'm joined by my good friend Mengeshatiketer.

And on the other side of the soundproof glass, separating his number one and number two plastics from the rest of the bunch. That's our friend and producer Tristan McNeil. Yeah, and good for Tristan for doing that. Most folks don't even know the numbers inside the recycling system on plastic containers and that they're actually a way to tell which kinds can and can't be recycled.

But Tristan has the whole resin identification code down, and that's just the kind of guy he is.

Well, and we love him for it, and especially today, because we're going to be taking a hard look at

the current state of recycling in the world and asking a tough question, you know, is recycling

worth it?

Because when you think about it, the practice is a pretty unique blend of environmentalism and business, and it's one that

the majority of developed nations agree is a pretty sensible thing to do. And I mean, of course,

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