Wish-cycling or the art of attempting to recycle is on the rise in Porter County.
At surface level, wish-cycling is the practice of recycling items that cannot be recycled. It stems from individuals' best intentions. You wish or hope that something can be recycled but in reality it can’t.
“Wish-cycling and hoping it were so go hand in hand. So many of us wish items could be recycled when in reality some items just can’t be placed in bins locally. Garden hoses, rakes, dirty paper plates are often everyday items we see folks trying to recycle. Those items don’t belong in recycling bins,” said Keri Marrs Barron, Executive Director of the Recycling & Waste Reduction District of Porter County.
Today it’s estimated that nearly 1 in 4 items placed in recycling containers aren’t actually recyclable through curbside programs, according to National Waste & Recycling Association, a trade group. This in turn creates huge problems for the recycling economy.
“Wish-cycling can often do more harm than good when it comes to recycling. Just because something in our local area might be made of plastic or contain a recyclable textile doesn’t mean it’s actually recyclable,” said Keri Marrs Barron, Executive Director of the Recycling & Waste Reduction District of Porter County.
Recycling is driven by markets of supply and demand. If the items recycled can be used by the local industry, the region will collect them. If no market is available the items can’t be recycled locally regardless of whether a recycle symbol is stamped on the product.
As American recycling practices continue to evolve, the Recycling & Waste Reduction District of Porter County remains committed in educating area residents on waste reduction and the local do’s and don’ts when it comes to everyday recycling.
“We encourage all Porter County residents to reach out with questions. The District is always here to help,” said Keri Marrs Barron, Executive Director of the Recycling & Waste Reduction District of Porter County.
The Recycling & Waste Reduction District of Porter County features six drop off recycling sites where area residents across Porter County can recycle cardboard boxes, plastics and more.
For more information on acceptable recycling items and educational programming, contact the Recycling & Waste Reduction District of Porter County at (219) 510-1124 or visit www.PorterCountyRecycling.org.