trash talk

Shannon Thompson

Wishcycling is knowingly putting unacceptable items into recycling bins believing they will be recycled. Wishcycling makes recycling more expensive, causes problems in the recycling process, and can result in less recycling.

Putting things in a recycling bin does not mean you are recycling. Making new products from old products is recycling. Recycling collectors only accept materials they are able to market to manufactures. Manufacturers only buy materials they can make into new products. Anything put into the recycling collection system that cannot be sold for remanufacturing must be pulled out and sent to the waste stream. Recycling collectors have large systems to clean waste out of the materials they market. Getting materials out of the recycling stream is labor intensive, expensive, and potentially dangerous. Wishcycling is not recycling, it is making disposal of waste more difficult and more expensive.

Nonacceptable material that is not removed before getting to the manufacturers causes problems producing products. Random material in machinery can cause fires, breakdowns, and downtime. All these things cost manufacturers money. This may lead them to choose virgin material over recycled materials. Using new materials in manufacturing results in less recycling.

It is important to only put accepted materials into recycling bins. Be an informed recycler by looking at signage on bins, paying attention to communication from your recycler, and asking questions. It may seem wrong but- when in doubt throw it out. If you are not sure if something is accepted by your recycler, and you cannot find out, put it in the trash. Wishcycling is costly, dangerous, and puts recycling at risk. Don’t be a wishcycler.

You can always contact me at Clay County Solid Waste, shannon.thompson@co.clay.mn.us or 218 299-7329 with any recycling or waste disposal questions in Clay County.