From my point of view, that you have to support your elderly sounds crazy.
Here most elderly either gets support in their own home by professionals (by the local government) or at a home with professional care (run by the local government).
I'd rather spend time with my family on our own terms and not because I have to support them.
It differs depending on where in Europe you live of course, my perspective is from the Nordics. I see it, instead of "they take x % of my pay", as that we collectively decided to fund these healthcare, paid vacation, maternity and paternity leave, education, child care, social security so that everyone has a fair chance and are taken care of.
My local recycling company clearly states that I should recycle used pizza boxes in the "paper packaging" box when searching on their webpage. So I guess it depends on the recycling process.
But there is value for him as he would have quick access to medicine if he ever gets AIDS. Of course someone who as AIDS values the medicine more but saying there is no value for him seems very short sighted.
Here most elderly either gets support in their own home by professionals (by the local government) or at a home with professional care (run by the local government).
I'd rather spend time with my family on our own terms and not because I have to support them.