Photo by Ashif Ahmmed Himel
As more people become conscious of their environmental impact, recycling has become a widespread practice. However, there’s a major issue that’s not often discussed—wishcycling. Wishcycling refers to the habit of tossing questionable items into the recycling bin with the hope that they’ll be properly processed, even if they’re not actually recyclable. This behavior has consequences, not only for the recycling system but for the planet as a whole.
A study by the Pew Research Center found that 59% of Americans believe that “most types of items” can be recycled and that these materials are efficiently sorted. Unfortunately, that’s far from reality. Recycling facilities are often bogged down by non-recyclable materials, which can contaminate entire loads of recyclables or damage equipment. This results in higher costs, more waste, and, ultimately, an inefficient recycling system.
For instance, items such as plastic grocery bags, Styrofoam, greasy pizza boxes, and plastic bubble wrap mailers are commonly wishcycled, but they shouldn’t be in recycling bins. These items cause problems at material recovery facilities (MRFs), where sorting recyclable and non-recyclable materials is already a complex process. Plastic bags, in particular, can tangle in sorting machines, leading to breakdowns and operational delays.
Wishcycling may stem from good intentions, but it’s important to be informed about what can and cannot be recycled. Recycle Nation lists several common items that should never make it into your recycling bin, including plastic wrap, wax-coated boxes from frozen foods, and small plastic lids. Adding these items into the mix only adds to the challenges already faced by recycling facilities.
However, there’s a flip side to this challenge: upcycling. While wishcycling represents a misunderstanding of the recycling process, upcycling is an innovative solution that offers real environmental benefits. Upcycling takes waste materials and turns them into new, higher-value products. For instance, researchers at RMIT University in Melbourne, Australia, have developed methods to produce high-value materials like carbon nanotubes, which are used in lightweight aerospace components, and clean liquid fuel from used plastics. This not only reduces the demand for virgin materials but also contributes to the circular economy by finding new uses for old materials.
Upcycling extends beyond just plastics. Organic and agricultural waste can also be upcycled into useful products. In this way, upcycling offers a powerful counter to wishcycling. Instead of throwing random items into the recycling bin, people can focus on contributing to more intentional processes that ensure materials are reused effectively.
One major issue with the global recycling system is that wealthy countries often export large quantities of recyclable waste to developing countries, which may lack the infrastructure to properly process it. This adds to the growing problem of waste mismanagement and environmental degradation. Solving this problem requires more than just relying on traditional recycling methods. Upcycling, along with advanced recycling technology, offers a promising solution.
But how can we stop wishcycling? Recycling experts recommend a few key strategies. First, be mindful of what actually belongs in your recycling bin. Do recycle plastics with “chasing arrows,” clean cardboard, and rinsed aluminum or glass containers. Avoid tossing in plastic shopping bags, Styrofoam, greasy pizza boxes, and anything with food residue. Composting food waste and sorting recyclable materials to keep them clean and uncontaminated also helps ensure that the recycling process works as it should.
JD Ambati, Founder & CEO of EverestLabs, points out that wishcycling does more harm than good. “We have to protect the environment, and that means ensuring that the recycling process is operating as efficiently as possible. Wishcycling happens when people place an item into the recycling bin without knowing whether it can actually be recycled or not. This creates more work for sorting manufacturers, can sometimes contaminate actual recyclable materials, and can cause equipment damage resulting in plant downtime.”
Breaking the habit of wishcycling requires awareness and a change in mindset. While technology can vastly improve the efficiency of recycling, individuals also need to play their part in ensuring the right materials are being recycled. Ambati adds, “While robots and AI vastly improve the efficiency of the recycling process, we all need to make sure we’re doing our due diligence before we toss a questionable piece of packaging into the trash. This type of technology is there to help us take care of the planet, but we also have to do our part. Humans and technology are working hand in hand to save the environment.”
As consumers, we must become more knowledgeable about the materials we use and discard. Upcycling offers a path forward, where waste can be repurposed into valuable products, contributing to the circular economy. But it all starts with breaking the habit of wishcycling and focusing on better recycling practices.
In the end, reducing waste and adopting upcycling practices will help us move toward a more sustainable future. Let’s ensure that what we discard has the best chance of being reused or recycled properly—because the future of the planet depends on it.