Which of the following is not a benefit of recycling?

The choice indicating "Higher municipal costs" is the correct answer because it does not align with the general benefits associated with recycling. Recycling typically aims to reduce overall expenses related to waste management, as it can lead to decreased landfill use and lower disposal fees.

In contrast, reduced landfill usage, conservation of natural resources, and decreased pollution are widely recognized advantages of recycling. Each of these benefits illustrates how recycling promotes environmental sustainability and resource efficiency. For instance, by recycling materials, we minimize the volume of waste sent to landfills, conserve finite resources like timber and minerals, and reduce the pollution that can result from extracting and processing new materials. Therefore, highlighting higher municipal costs as a benefit contradicts the fundamental purpose and outcomes of effective recycling programs.