What is Wishcycling

Recycling is just the start of the journey. Mixed recycling is sorted, then processed to create new valuable products. Wishcycling is a contamination that makes the process of recycling more difficult.

We’ve all done it. We’ve all done it. Wishcycling is what it sounds like. Although our intentions may be good, the result is often negative. Wishcycling is a wasteful practice that can lead to contamination of other materials.

Wishcycling can be divided into two types. First, we have non-target material. They are materials that can’t be sorted or processed using mixed recycling. Materials currently not recycled, such as crisp packets or foil pouches, fall into this category. These materials include those that can be recycled but require specialist processing.

The second kind of wish cycling involves widely recycled materials that are contaminated. Our mixed recycling facilities can process these items only when they are residue-free. Some examples of contamination in wish cycling include glass jars that still have food inside, half-empty bottles of shampoo, and pizza boxes stained with cheese. We cannot recycle anything with residue, even if the packaging says it can be recycled. If the product cannot be wiped or rinsed, it should go into general waste.

How to avoid wish cycling

By being aware of the most common wish-cycled items, you can save precious resources.

In our handy guide, ‘How to not wishcycle,’ our experts have identified 12 standard wash cycles. Share this guide with your colleagues and customers to help them make sustainable recycling decisions.

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Mixed recycling: Four essential things to know

Recycling can be confusing. Consistency and clarity in labeling can make recycling confusing. The upcoming legislation will address these issues and improve the situation. We’re ready to help in the interim. Four things you should know about mixed recycling. They will help you decide what to do in your business.

Rinse and clean

We cannot recycle an item that has residue. It damages machinery and reduces the quality of recycled material. Food is the most common source of contamination, so be sure to wash or wipe your containers.

Only single items

In good faith, many people will place recyclable containers in larger containers. Our manual pickers do not easily separate these items. All the materials are unrecyclable when they are mixed. It is best to separate the mixed recyclables into single items for recycling.

Double-check the labels

Everyone agrees that recycling labels need to be more precise. The mere presence of a symbol on a product does not mean it can be widely recycled. We support the government’s commitment to more clear packaging labeling. Use our handy guide to learn what recycling symbols mean and double-check the symbols in the meantime.

Composites contaminate

Composite containers are made of layers. Soup cartons, juice boxes, and plant-based dairy products are usually made of layers of plastic and cardboard. The packaging may state that it is recyclable but requires specialist recycling. It is not traditionally processed as mixed recycling.