We’ve all had a moment of wish-cycling.
This is the point when you drop something in the recycle bin with the hope it can be recycled.
We wish-cycle many things.
In fact, the University of Virginia did a study that highlighted three items that are frequently wish-cycled. Those items and the percentage of people who put them in the recycle bin are noted below:
- Plastic Bags – 58% (they get caught in the machines)
- Disposable Coffee Cups – 46% (the plastic coating that keeps coffee in can’t be recycled)
- Light Bulbs – 26% (there are drop off locations for these, but curbside recycling can’t accept)
In addition to the list above, here are additional items frequently wish-cycled:
- Pizza boxes (the areas with grease on them can’t be recycled)
- Takeout containers and fast-food bags
- Single-use cutlery and plastic straws
- Books
- Gift bags and wrapping paper
- Ink cartridges
- Styrofoam
- Bottle caps and beverage plastic ring holders
My Perspective
Wish-cycling is a challenge we all have.
Reducing our waste is the best way to avoid wish-cycling.
The next best thing is to follow the three tips below:
- Local Guidelines: Get to know the recycling guidelines in your community. Becoming knowledgeable on what they will take will reduce our level of wish-cycling.
- Earth 911 (website) or iRecycle (app): This resource allows us to search an item and our location to determine if the product can be recycled by dropping it off at a facility. Common items that have drop off locations include light bulbs, batteries, and electronics.
- Conscious Carryout: The list above contains many items generated from carryout food. Becoming aware of the waste created, we can start to explore alternatives – taking our own coffee mug, refusing cutlery when we don’t need it, and looking for restaurants that use compostable packaging just to name a few.
Your Turn
Looking at the list above, are you wish-cycling?
Which area is your biggest challenge?
What is one thing you can do today to wish-cycle less?