Are you guilty of Wishcycling?

What is Wishcycling?

Wishcycling is when we put items in the recycling bin without being certain they can actually be recycled. While well-intentioned, this practice is causing serious problems. Tossing uncertain items into the blue bin complicates recycling processes and contaminates the system.

Even small acts of “crossing your fingers” can create extra work for recycling centres and reduce the quality of recycled materials.

How to Stop Wishcycling

Some common items cannot be recycled. Being aware of these can save time, resources, and prevent contamination:

• Plastic wraps

• Plastic bags

• Styrofoam

• Containers with food or drink residue

• Coffee pods

• Batteries

• Foil packets

Always check product labels. If you are unsure, place the item in general waste to avoid wasting resources.

It is also important to recycle items separately. Do not double up materials inside each other. Doing so can cause problems when our teams separate materials before they enter machinery.

Items with food or drink residue create additional challenges. They often result in recyclable products being thrown away. By rinsing and cleaning glassware, tins, and trays, you make our operators’ jobs easier and safer.

Why Awareness Matters

Raising awareness about Wishcycling helps improve the recycling system. It ensures the process is more efficient and sustainable in the long term.

Get in touch with us to learn how we can help you dispose of waste responsibly and more efficiently.

Get in touch with us and see how we can help you dispose of your waste more efficiently and responsibly.