Why Wishcycling Hurts Recycling (and What to Do Instead)

Most people want to do the right thing when it comes to recycling. So, when you’re unsure about an item, it can feel better to toss it in the recycling bin just in case. That habit is called wishcycling, and while it comes from good intentions, it can cause real challenges for recycling systems.

Understanding why Wishcycling is a problem (and what to do instead) helps recycling work better for everyone.

🤞 What Is Wishcycling?

Wishcycling happens when non-recyclable items are placed in the recycling bin in the hope that they’ll be recycled.

Common examples include:

• Plastic bags and film
• Food-soiled containers
• Coffee cups and lids
• Garden hoses, cords or string lights
• Broken glass, ceramics or mirrors

These items often look recyclable, but most aren’t recyclable and recycling systems aren’t designed to handle them.

🚫 Why Wishcycling Hurts Recycling

Wishcycling doesn’t just affect one item; it can impact the entire system.

Wishcycling causes problems for the good recyclables
Non-recyclable items can mix with paper, cardboard and other recyclable materials, making them dirty or unable to be turned into new products.

Wishcycling damages equipment
Items like plastic bags, cords, and hoses (we call them tanglers) can wrap around machinery, blocking materials from being recycled and causing shutdowns and repairs.

Wishcycling creates safety risks
Broken glass, sharp objects and tanglers increase risks to workers at recycling facilities.

Wishcycling increases costs
Removing contamination takes time and money and can reduce the value of the recyclables, which drives up recycling costs for communities and ratepayers.

Wishcycling can send recyclables to a landfill
When a load of recycling has too much of the wrong stuff in it, the entire load is rejected and sent to the landfill instead.

❓ Why Wishcycling Is So Common

Recycling rules can feel confusing and they can vary by location. Packaging labels don’t always match what local systems accept, and many items fall into a “gray area.”

That’s why guessing, while understandable, can cause more harm than good.

✅ What to Do Instead

If you’re unsure about an item, these steps help keep recycling clean and effective:

• Check local guidelines before recycling
  In Oregon, RecycleOn.org/Oregon is a reliable source for up-to-date, location-specific recycling information.
• When in doubt, throw it out (Or find out)
  It’s better to keep questionable items out of the recycling bin than to risk contamination.
• Look for drop-off or reuse options
  Some items may be accepted at special drop-off locations or can be reused or donated instead.
• Focus on recycling what you know
  Empty and dry bottles, cans, paper, and cardboard are the foundation of successful recycling.

💚 Recycling with Confidence

Recycling doesn’t have to be perfect; it just needs to be informed. Avoiding wishcycling helps protect workers, equipment and the materials you want to see turned into new products.

For clear, trusted guidance on what’s recyclable across Oregon, visit RecycleOn.org/Oregon and recycle with confidence.