>the cost of (not) utilizing garbage is externalized

No, it's the exact opposite, because the consumer is on the hook for the purchase price as well as any repair costs.

Handling trash costs money. A lot of money. Right now, most Americans find it hard to even conceptualize the idea of paying to deal with their waste.

	▲	loeg 2 hours ago \| parent \| next [-]
		What are you talking about. Trash is inexpensive, but Americans absolutely pay for it (solid waste utility bill). I think people conceptualize that they have utility bills?
	▲	fragmede 2 hours ago \| parent \| prev \| next [-]
		Where Americans are renters and garbage service is hidden in their monthly rent payment, sure, but for Americans who own a home, they have to pay their local jurisdiction a fee for taking away trash and recycling and compost (and batteries and light bulbs). Also sewage and water.
	▲	wat10000 2 hours ago \| parent \| prev [-]
		Wat. Almost all Americans either pay someone to deal with their waste or are dependents of someone who pays on their behalf. Do you think we're all burning our trash in barrels or dumping it in the local river or something?

kelnos 2 hours ago | parent | prev [-]

But the consumer isn't on the hook for dealing with the garbage.