What is Wishcycling?

Wishcycling is a common challenge in both residential and commercial recycling systems. It occurs when people incorrectly assume an item can be recycled, often due to misleading packaging or a lack of knowledge about local recycling rules. Unlike proper recycling, wishcycling can contaminate loads, reduce efficiency, and increase operational costs at material recovery facilities (MRFs). This concept is related to recycling contamination but emphasizes the human behavior aspect that leads to improper disposal. Educating the public is key to reducing its occurrence.