"Wish-Cycling" Hurts More Than It Helps—Here’s Why

In an effort to be environmentally responsible, many well-intentioned people fall into the trap of "wish-cycling." This term refers to tossing items into the recycling bin with the hope that they can be recycled, even when they aren’t actually accepted in the recycling system. While this might seem like a harmless mistake, wish-cycling does more harm than good. It can contaminate entire loads of recyclables, drive up processing costs, and ultimately send more waste to the landfill. At BVR Waste & Recycling, we want to shed light on why wish-cycling is a problem and how we can all do our part to recycle correctly.

Contamination: A Costly Problem

One of the most significant consequences of wish-cycling is contamination. When mixed with acceptable materials, non-recyclable items can spoil entire batches of recyclables. For example, a greasy pizza box, plastic bags, or broken glass in the recycling stream can cause issues at the processing facility. Even if the rest of the batch is made up of clean, high-quality recyclables, the presence of contaminants can force waste management facilities to discard the entire load.

This contamination not only reduces the amount of material that can actually be recycled but also increases sorting costs. Recycling facilities must spend extra time and resources separating contaminants from legitimate recyclables. In some cases, contamination can even damage processing equipment, leading to costly repairs and operational delays.

The Landfill Effect

Wish-cycling also contributes to higher landfill waste. When contaminated recyclables are rejected, they often end up in landfills rather than being properly processed, defeating the purpose of recycling altogether. Additionally, when recyclables are contaminated, recycling programs may face stricter regulations or increased costs, which can discourage participation and investment in sustainability initiatives.

Common Wish-Cycling Mistakes

Understanding what not to recycle is just as important as knowing what can be recycled. Some of the most common wish-cycling mistakes include:

• Plastic bags: These can get tangled in recycling machinery and should be returned to designated drop-off locations instead.

• Greasy or food-soiled containers: Pizza boxes, paper plates, and food containers with leftover residue can contaminate paper recycling.

• Styrofoam: While some places have specialized recycling programs for Styrofoam, most curbside programs do not accept it.

• Tanglers (cords, hoses, and clothing): These items can wrap around sorting equipment and cause serious damage.

• Glass shards and ceramics: Broken glass and ceramic materials cannot be processed with standard glass recyclables.

  
  

How to Recycle the Right Way

Avoiding wish-cycling starts with knowing the recycling rules in your area. Check with BVR Waste & Recycling or your local municipality to determine what materials are accepted in your curbside bin. When in doubt, throw it out—it’s better to discard a questionable item than risk contaminating an entire load of recyclables.

Additionally, take a few extra steps to prepare your recyclables properly:

• Rinse containers to remove food residue.

• Flatten cardboard boxes to save space.

• Keep recyclables loose (don’t bag them in plastic).

• Follow local guidelines for specialty items like electronics or batteries.

  
  

Let’s Recycle Smarter

Recycling is essential to sustainability, but it only works when done correctly. By avoiding wish-cycling and following proper recycling guidelines, we can ensure that more materials are effectively recycled and kept out of landfills.

The Benefits of Educated Recycling

Educated recycling practices can have many advantages. Not only do they reduce waste, but they also help conserve resources and energy. When we recycle correctly, we encourage responsible consumption and create a more sustainable environment for future generations.

At BVR Waste & Recycling, we are committed to educating our community on best recycling practices to create a cleaner, greener future. Let’s work together to make recycling count—the right way!

Conclusion

In conclusion, wish-cycling is a serious issue that can lead to significant problems in the recycling process. To combat this, we need to be informed about what is actually recyclable and practice responsible recycling habits. By understanding the effects of wish-cycling and taking concrete steps to recycle correctly, we can contribute to a cleaner planet and promote sustainability in our communities.