Waste Disposal

So, in Japan people sort their trash into recyclables, burnable, and nonburnable.  I'm curious as to why other nations, the US in particular, haven't adopted the same habit.  Wouldn't following Japan's example help to reduce pollution and other waste related problems?

(in before "japan is superior")
(in before "get out weeaboo")

>>5
in that case, shouldn't we at least make a greater push for recycling?  Maybe finding some sort of way to reward people for recycling (or fine them for not doing so).