Originally published Nov 29/17 The Reminder. Flin Flon, Mb. Sponsored by North of 53 Consumers Coop.
This is my new favourite verb!
I didn’t make it up. It is part of a video about recycling that I posted on the Flin Flon Recycling Facebook group. The video is from New York City but has valuable information. Check it out.
One of the problems identified in the video is ‘wish-cycling’. The verb is defined as “The act of throwing something not recyclable into the recycling bin hoping it can be recycled when it cannot.”
The main example in the video is plastic bags or film plastic. This is something we see a lot of at the Recycling Centre. It includes plastic wrap and the tear open packaging. If it is not hard plastic, we can’t recycle it.
Another common non-recyclable item we receive is coffee cups. Many are labeled compostable and environmentally friendly. However, there is a difference between compostable and recyclable. Compostable items will break down in a compost pile but do not have the strong long fibres required for recycling. Other coffee cups cannot be recycled as they have too many non-paper materials in them such as waxes or plastic.
Other common wish-cycling items at the Recycling Centre are Styrofoam, wrapping paper, toys, window blinds, building materials, office and patio furniture, cupboards and fans. The list is much longer.
Sometimes we can use the items. Sometimes I advertise things or take them to local second hand stores.Most of it ends up in the landfill. Getting it there takes time and uses fuel.
Wish-cycling wastes time and energy.
Wishing that something to be recyclable doesn’t mean it is. Please check the website at www.flinflonrecycling.org , our Facebook page or call (204) 687-6169 if you are not sure.
This is my new favourite verb!
I didn’t make it up. It is part of a video about recycling that I posted on the Flin Flon Recycling Facebook group. The video is from New York City but has valuable information. Check it out.
One of the problems identified in the video is ‘wish-cycling’. The verb is defined as “The act of throwing something not recyclable into the recycling bin hoping it can be recycled when it cannot.”
The main example in the video is plastic bags or film plastic. This is something we see a lot of at the Recycling Centre. It includes plastic wrap and the tear open packaging. If it is not hard plastic, we can’t recycle it.
Another common non-recyclable item we receive is coffee cups. Many are labeled compostable and environmentally friendly. However, there is a difference between compostable and recyclable. Compostable items will break down in a compost pile but do not have the strong long fibres required for recycling. Other coffee cups cannot be recycled as they have too many non-paper materials in them such as waxes or plastic.
Other common wish-cycling items at the Recycling Centre are Styrofoam, wrapping paper, toys, window blinds, building materials, office and patio furniture, cupboards and fans. The list is much longer.
Sometimes we can use the items. Sometimes I advertise things or take them to local second hand stores.Most of it ends up in the landfill. Getting it there takes time and uses fuel.
Wish-cycling wastes time and energy.
Wishing that something to be recyclable doesn’t mean it is. Please check the website at www.flinflonrecycling.org , our Facebook page or call (204) 687-6169 if you are not sure.
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