Recycling is a nightmare.
This is known as “wishcycling,” and it’s a bad idea.
But don’t blame yourself for not understanding what to recycle; it’s not easy.
The complexity of plastic recycling
Plastic recycling is maddeningly complicated.
The triangle label that you might assume indicates “this item is recyclable” doesn’t actually mean that.
The number inside the triangle doesn’t tell you whether it’s recyclable, either.
Some plastic, like #6polystyrenecan be recycled, but generally isn’t because it’s not economically feasible.
Some plastics, like polyvinyl chloride (#3), can even be harmful to recycle.
You get the idea: It’s a mess.
Check outthis chart for a more in-depth explanationabout what each number signifies.
To help out, I put together this list of nine common recycling mistakes.
It’s far from comprehensive, but it’s a start.
Reducing and reusing are more effective at minimizing your waste footprint, and they’rewayeasier to understand, too.
All of this is a hassle, but it will probably make a bigger difference than recycling.
Luckily, if you’re doing recycling correctly, you won’t need a bag.
“We ask the public to remove liquids and any food residue.
If you’re doing that correctly, there is no need for a bag.”
Then put the pure cardboard in the bin.
Whether the ancillary material is recyclable depends on what it’s made of.
Putting plastic wrap in the recycling bin
Plastic wrap highlights the complexity of recycling, circa 2024. usually shouldn’t go in the bin.
Styrofoam is a form of polystyrene, #6 on the plastic scale.
In its rigid form, polystyrene is used to make things like plastic cutlery and CD cases.
Those aren’t generally recyclable, either.
What to do instead: “Styrofoam is a material that is very, very difficult to manage.
“It takes a very set kind of paper mill to accept them.
What to do instead: When it comes to milk cartons, you’ll have to do some research.
