Harms of wishcycling, or aspirational recycling
Being unsure but hoping for the best - and why such good intentions can fall short
Chances are in some capacity that you recycle. There are many options and outlets for recycling, and you likely are proud to be someone who recycles and does their part. For many in the United States we feel it is a civic duty and an important practice to recycle. According to RoadRunner, 90% of U.S. citizens support the practice of recycling with an estimated 94% of the population having access to curbside bins, commercial dumpsters, or drop off locations (Deer 2021). While recycling is widespread, it is common to attempt to recycle non-recyclables, in a process I recently learned to be called wishcycling. RoadRunner defines wishcycling as, “the process of adding an item to your recycle bin without knowing if it’s actually recyclable” (Deer 2021). This term felt all too familiar, standing at the bins and looking to dispose of a good, unsure if it was one that could be recycled. We would rather recycle and want it to be such an item. We know recycling and giving a product a second life is better than sending an item to the landfill. Within a society of heavy consumption there is a lot that we waste, and the hope is that we can recycle as much of that as possible. Common items that are frequently wishcycled are greasy pizza boxes, Styrofoam, coffee cups and pods, straws, bags and silverware made of plastic, and containers with food or drink residue, to name a few (Deer 2021). However, there is issue with wishcycling and consequences of that hopeful selection of the recycle bin over the trash bin. This wishful and well-intentioned practice is problematic and one of the biggest challenges the recycling industry is facing.
These disposable items can contaminate entire loads of otherwise recyclable material and complicates the sorting process at recycling centers (Deer 2021). This can lead to higher sorting costs and delayed timelines for material recovery facilities (MRFs). When such instances of contamination occur at high rates, it can be difficult to recycle in any proper capacity. The materials must then be rerouted to landfill. Contamination fees are often applied to businesses when this happens and can disincentivize recycling participation (Deer 2021).
Exercising caution and learning what items can and cannot or should and should not be recycled can be confusing. Being able to better determine in instances of uncertainty can boost recycling confidence and create awareness of proper disposal. Oftentimes we will look for a ‘recyclable’ sign or icon on our item to see if it is an item that we can place in the appropriate bin. The presence of that symbol usually feels like a sure sign that it can indeed be recycled, but this is not necessarily the case. The number inside that symbol offers additional information about the likelihood of that success.
One helpful source accessible on Instagram under the handle (@get.waste.ed) breaks down brackets of numbers into “Easy to recycle” “Sort of easy to recycle” and “Difficult to recycle” on the scale from 1-7.
Easy to recycle: (1 or 2) The number inside the recycle symbol shows a 1 or 2 (PETE or HDPE respectively – types of plastic).
1- PETE or PET - found in soda bottles, water bottles, salad dressing containers, peanut butter jars that can be picked up from most recycling programs
2- HDPE - found in milk jugs, detergent bottles, shampoo bottles that can be picked up from most recycling programs
Difficult to recycle: The number inside the recycle symbol shows a 3, 4, 6 or 7
3- PVC - found in piping, toys, hoses, chemical containers are rarely ever recycled, not a viable option for your recycle bin
4- LDPE – found in grocery bags, bread bags, six pack rings are often not to be placed in curbside recycling. Check with your collector, not all hope is lost but unlikely
6- PS- found in Styrofoam to-go boxes, disposable cutlery, packing peanuts. These are rarely recycled, avoid entirely if possible
7- Other –additional items that have a lower rate of success include CDs, nylon, car parts, sunglasses. These are often not recycled with curbside recycling programs
Sort of easy to recycle: The number inside the recycle symbol shows a 5
5- PP – found in yogurt cups, straws, hangers, bottle caps, chip bags. These items are often picked up by most recycling programs but one should check to be sure
This list segmented out by (@get.waste.ed), while helpful, does not go up precisely in order. In fact is it a bit disjointed and skips around. Saving their posting to your own account allows for a quick check in times of uncertainty. RoadRunner also notes to rinse and dry items before recycling to increase success. Best practice and the ones easiest to remember are the smallest numbers (1 or 2). Items such as clean cardboard (no pizza grease here), mixed paper products, as well as cleaned aluminum and glass containers are also on RoadRunner’s “Do Recycle” list and items that one can recycle with confidence. Keeping materials clean and knowing what materials are in fact trash or otherwise unrecyclable will play an influential and actionable role. Roadrunner suggests reaching out if uncertain; they have a number of places to call or email at the following webpage. https://www.roadrunnerwm.com/contact-us/
While you should be proud to recycle and do so often, it is important to do so responsibly and be informed about what you are looking to recycle. Wishful recycling is not advantageous recycling. Roadrunner notes, “Please place all non-recyclable, questionable, or downright absurd items into the trash to prevent contamination” (Deer 2021). Avoiding non-recyclable items can also help correct for this action and save you the guilt at disposal. So, reuse, refuse, and get out there and recycle (properly).
Until next week, stay savvy.
Deer, Ryan. “What Is Wishcycling?” What Is Wishcycling? , RoadRunner Recycling Inc., 1 Apr. 2021, www.roadrunnerwm.com/blog/wishcycling.
Waste-Ed, [@get.wate.ed]. “Recyle Guide” Instagram, August 18, 2020,
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Great Post Ariel! You do a great job of addressing issues that can be affected by individual action. I posted this blog and a link to our office Sustainability Channel. Hopefully you will pick up some subscriptions. Keep up the great work.