Earth Day is an annual reminder to think about how we handle what we throw away. Most of us want to do the right thing, and that’s exactly why so many of us have fallen into a habit called wish-cycling without even realizing it.
What is wish-cycling?
Wish-cycling is when you toss something in the recycling bin and hope for the best, even if you’re not totally sure it belongs there. We get it. You’re trying to do the right thing. But those “maybe it’s recyclable?” moments can actually cause some not-so-great outcomes at sorting facilities.
Picture this:
- A can of paint that isn’t fully sealed tips over in the bin. Now it’s leaking all over paper and cardboard. Materials that were perfectly recyclable just seconds ago now aren’t.
- A fluorescent tube breaks during pickup or sorting. Suddenly there’s shattered glass to deal with, plus trace amounts of mercury that need careful handling.
- An old smoke alarm gets mixed in with bottles and cans. Some contain small amounts of radioactive material, which definitely isn’t something a regular recycling system can process.
Good intentions? Absolutely. Right bin? Not quite.
None of these items belong in your curbside bins, but the good news is, all of them can be recycled the right way!
Where to take them instead
You can drop off household hazardous waste, paint, and light bulbs, (along with smoke/carbon monoxide alarms in BC) for free at over 3,000 recycling locations across Canada. Locations include retail stores, municipal depots, and recycling centres. Use our recycling locator to find one near you.
Have leftover paint that’s still usable? Check out PaintShare, where quality leftover paint is available for free to anyone who wants it. See how a Maple Ridge artist used PaintShare to create a community mural.
Recycle right this Earth Day
Recycling the right way just means knowing where to bring the things your curbside bin wasn’t built to handle. Find a recycling location near you.
