“Wishcycling” is the act of tossing something un-recyclable into the recycling bin.

Here’s why that’s a problem, and what to do instead.

But as recycling has become almost second nature to many, its also become easier to doincorrectly.

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sustainability expert and author ofGive a Sh*t: Do Good.

No matter the reason, though, wrongly recycled items can backfire big-time.

Aspirational recycling costs financially strapped recycling facilitiesmoremoney to process the waste that they cant recycle.

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sustainability expert and author ofGive a Sht: Do Good. Live Better. Save the Planet*

Of course, thats just the opposite effect from what most wishcyclers intend to happen.

So, why is wishcycling so rampant?

That said, therearestill a few universal pointers to keep in mind.

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As a result, these should just be thrown out.

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Thats where the number inside the recycling symbol comes into play, at least as a starting point.

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A couple other no-gos that youd be wise to avoid wishcycling?

Make mosaics out of broken glass and tile.

Reuse takeout cutlery and containers to make a container garden and sprout seeds.

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sustainability expert and author ofGive a Sht: Do Good. Live Better. Save the Planet*

Check with your local Buy Nothing group to see if crafters want any of your non-recyclables.

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