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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:

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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?