What Is Wish Cycling?

Although recycling seems to be a simple process, it may not result as desired if not addressed with care. The wastes should be parsed, separated before being thrown into the recycling bin and the mixing of non-recyclable materials should be prevented. Non-recyclable waste can cause more problems than anticipated. However, in order for a material to be reused as a raw material, recycling rules must be followed.

Non-recyclable materials can cause more harm than good when recycled. Considering that they can be recycled, many products are thrown into waste bins for recycling. Paying attention to the recycling symbols and descriptions on the waste can prevent the wrong parsing, sorting of the wastes. The process of throwing waste in the wrong places with the intention of parsing, waste sorting (the practice of tossing questionable items in the recycling bins, hoping they can be recycled) is called wish cycling. It is possible to prevent wish cycling by recycling process performed by following the correct guidelines.

What Exactly Is Wish Cycling?

Wish cycling is an effort made to include a non-recyclable waste in recycling by wishing it to be reused. Most people think that every material that is tossed for recycling is reused. However, many materials that are thought to be recyclable may not be fully recycled. Some parts of certain materials and the whole of some materials are not suitable for recycling. Although wish cycling may seem like a well-intentioned effort, it is one of the biggest problems experienced by the recycling industry. Recycling may be one of the simplest ways to do something about the climate problems of our planet. With the right recycling, energy and material savings can be made. Recyclable wastes can help to reduce landfills. 

Currently, materials that are recycled the most are metal wastes, plastic wastes, paper wastes and electronic wastes. However, recycling processes for plastic wastes can be more complex than the others. Some plastic products can be produced from non-recyclable materials in some parts or as a whole. Wish cycling is a common mistake made in recycling plastic wastes.

Why Shouldn't Wish Cycling Be Done?

Wish cycling can cause unexpected problems in recycling operations. When considered as a whole, it may have consequences that affect global recycling. In order to save raw materials in production, some countries contribute to their economy by purchasing recyclable wastes. Economic and environmental benefits can be achieved with proper recycling. However, incorrectly sorted, parsed waste by wish cycling may also hinder recyclable materials from being used. Incorrect sorting of waste with the hope that it can be recycled may result in waste of money and time, besides additional wastes may also be generated.

Wish Cycling Causes Waste of Time

The wastes that enter the cycle with wish cycling are taken to the recycling facilities where they will pass through recycling processes. In recycling centers, wastes are classified and parsed (sorted). Recycling processes for each material can be done using different techniques and machines. Wastes that enter the recycling process intentionally or unintentionally due to wish cycling can often cause problems in the functioning of the machines and lead to waste of time. Incorrectly sorted wastes in the hope that they can be recycled can get stuck inside machines or create obstructions. Until the problems encountered in the equipment and machinery during recycling are corrected, the facility should be required to temporarily halt the operations. 

Wish Cycling Gives Rise to Unnecessary Cost

Wastes included in the cycle with by means of wish cycling may cause experiencing of unpredicted problems or may contaminate the other recyclable wastes. Some wastes may contain substances harmful to the health of living beings and to the environment. In the hope that they can be recycled, when the wastes containing toxic substances or materials that need to be disposed of in different ways in a controlled manner are put into recycling, they can cause problems. For example, they can harm the employees working at the recycling center. Wastes that cannot be processed in machines can cause costly repair expenses or complete breakdown of the machines. Recycling companies may face wasted time and extra costs due to wish cycling.

Wish Cycling Generates Extra Waste

The main purpose of recycling is to make the materials that are likely to be reused suitable for production. By recycling, the amount of waste going to landfills can be reduced. Incorrect waste parsing done in good faith with wish cycling can undermine the recycling process and result in extra waste. Oily or contaminated plastic and paper wastes can contaminate the other wastes and prevent their recycling. Non-recyclable wastes can be incinerated and released into the atmosphere or sent to landfills. In such a case, a situation that is completely contrary to the basic purpose of recycling can occur.

How is Recycling Done Correctly?

For correct recycling, follow up of the necessary rules is recommended. We can obtain detailed information from municipalities or recycling companies in order not to sort, not to parse the wastes incorrectly. If we would like to make recycling exercises at home; we can take the first step by acquiring waste bins. In order to avoid wish cycling, we can read the information of the packaging of the products in detail and sort them correctly. 

Vegetable oil wastes are collected by authorized companies and recycled into biodiesel. We can prevent environmental pollution by recycling waste oils. We can dispose of used waste batteries in battery collection boxes. We can keep waste battery boxes in many public institutions and markets. Some harmful substances in batteries must be eliminated by experts. In order to reduce costs and not to generate battery wastes, we can choose long-life (long-lasting) or rechargeable batteries. Conducting of detailed research on recycling can help with correct sorting (parsing) methods and waste reduction.