Am I Recyclable? Wish-Cycling

Are you “wish-cycling?”

We’re constantly tossing items into the recycle bin that we "wish" could be recycled curbside. Many materials collected from curbside recycling bins that we think could be recycled are actually inappropriate for curbside recycling.

When we “wish-cycle”, items that could have been recycled end up in a landfill because the collected load is contaminated with plastic grocery bags, greasy pizza boxes, Styrofoam or other items not meant for curbside recycling bins.

Other items that you may think can be recycled curbside but can not be, include: incandescent light bulbs, paper cups and straws, napkins, juice pouches, soda, and beer cartons, frozen food paper packaging, and paper ice cream cartons.

By recycling more of the basics – clean cardboard and paper, plastic bottles, containers and jugs, and aluminum cans – will help keep our recyclable resources in use and out of landfills.

Learn more about acceptable curbside recycling materials.