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Why isn't there some kind of requirement on the packaging that tells the consumer which type of waste management system it should go to? It might not be feasible in the US, but what about smaller countries with a unified recycling system?

They have to translate and add nutritional labels in the local language anyway.

Ultimately only the manufacturer knows what exactly is in their packaging.

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The manufacturer should be responsible for providing the recycling service in the first place.

Once the disposal/recycling costs are part of the initial purchase, consumers will make better choices.

Include a core charge to encourage the consumer to get it back to the right place, as well.

That wouldn't work. It would put a heavy burden on imported products. If you're from a large country you might not really care about this, but companies are most definitely willing to just ignore certain markets that are difficult to enter if the markets are small enough. Ie the consumers in small countries will just have a lot less choice and there probably won't be any local competition either.

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