By Ilene Moyher
Orange Recycling Committee
Ilene Moyher
What should you do if you’re unsure if an item is recyclable? Is it better to put it in with your recyclables or throw it in the trash?
Many people choose the first option, hoping the item can be recycled. Unfortunately, that well-intentioned practice – known as “wishcycling” – can increase costs and harm recycling efforts.
Wishcycling is when people put items in recycling, thinking or hoping those materials will get recycled. But if those items aren’t accepted in the local recycling system, the result can be the opposite of what was intended. When too many unaccepted items are put in with recyclables, the entire load may be considered contaminated and therefore sent to the trash.
This has happened multiple times in Orange, causing increased costs since disposing of trash is more expensive than processing recyclables. And of course adding to the trash is detrimental to the environment.
Luckily, you can avoid wishcycling by checking if an item is recyclable before putting it in the bin. People in Connecticut can use the recycling wizard at RecycleCT.com. Users type in an item and quickly learn whether it belongs in curbside recycling or should be brought to a special collection location, reused, donated or thrown away.
In addition, Orange residents can refer to ct-orange.civicplus.com/180/Recycling and orangerecycles.com/transfer-station for details on what can be recycled at the Orange Transfer Station & Recycling Center and in residential recycling bins.
A common misconception is that a recycling symbol or number automatically means an item goes in a recycling bin. Recycling rules vary by state and facility; some materials accepted elsewhere are not recyclable in Connecticut. Residents should not rely on the arrows symbol or the plastic number on an item.
Plastic bags and wraps are a major recycling contaminant because they can jam equipment and damage otherwise recyclable materials like paper and cardboard. Residents should never put plastic bags (or wraps) in with other recyclables. If you’re using a plastic bag to gather recyclables, empty the contents into the appropriate recycling container, then put the plastic bag in the red shed at the transfer station, a designated bin at local stores or the trash.
Black plastic bags and containers are another common problem. Black takeout containers, gardening trays and bags are not recyclable. You can reuse these items when possible, then put them in the trash.
Orange offers specific programs with designated bins or trailers at the transfer station for glass, textiles (clothing, shoes, linens), electronics, lightbulbs, batteries, paint and cardboard. Bins for textile collection are also in the parking lots of High Plains Community Center, Case Memorial Library and Public Works. Residents should use these places to ensure items are properly recycled. These options often generate revenue for Orange and reduce disposal costs, as many tons of materials get recycled through these programs. It’s a win for the town, people and the environment.
State Sen. James Maroney recently talked with Milford’s Associate Public Works Director Rob Harrigan at the Milford Transfer Station about what’s recyclable. Watch their conversation at orangerecycles.com/post/recycling-videos.
By correctly recycling and avoiding wishcycling, Orange residents can help reduce costs and ensure more materials are truly recycled instead of thrown away. The Orange Transfer Station & Recycling Center is open to Orange residents on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Orangerecycles.com provides information about accepted items and other recycling options. Follow the Orange Recycling Committee on facebook.com/ORCinCT for updates and tips. Thank you for your efforts to recycle properly.
Ilene Moyher is a member of the Orange Recycling Committee.