Recycling isn’t always easy. While most of us have the best of intentions and want to do the right thing for the environment, sometimes we get it plain wrong.
If you find yourself believing that almost every bit of rubbish is recyclable, and you proudly send less stuff to landfill, you might in fact be ‘wishcycling’. It’s a habit that needs to be curbed, says Clean Up Australia.
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Many Aussies are confused about what’s recyclable, especially regarding plastics. Almost half of Australians surveyed (48%) incorrectly put takeaway coffee cups into the recycling bin, for example, according to the 2024 Recycling Behaviours Report by Cleanaway and the Clean Energy Finance Corporation.
One third (33%) don’t empty or rinse recyclable containers before chucking them into the recycling bin, most or every time. Put your hand up if you actually take the lids off milk bottles before recycling?
And it’s not entirely our fault. More than one-third (35%) of survey respondents reckon it’s difficult to find clear recycling instructions. Often, we just wing it when it comes to recycling and hope for the best.
Teach kids to think before recycling. (Credit: Getty)
Why we need to stop wishcycling
“Putting something in the recycling bin sure does feel better than putting it in landfill, but putting the wrong thing in there can do more harm than good,” says Lottie Dalziel, founder of recycled homewares brand Banish. “This is ‘wishcycling’.”
Contaminating the waste stream with non-recyclables makes the recycling sorting process more expensive due to the extra labour needed. It can also mean that nothing gets recycled, eek.
One non-recyclable rubbish item can contaminate a whole batch of recycling, explains Clean Up Australia, and this can mean the whole load must be sent to landfill.
Want to put your best, most eco-friendly foot forward? Here’s how to avoid the wishcycling, um, cycle when it comes to plastics.
Banish recycled plastic salad server set, $29.95
Asoke Sasni Bloom Fairy Floss recycled chopping board, $119
How to recycle plastic packaging
A big cause of the confusion and contamination is plastic packaging. The easiest way to tell if plastic can be recycled? Check the number on the bottom of the item.
In Australia, as in many other countries, plastic products are often marked with numbers inside a recycling symbol. These numbers, known as plastic identification codes, range from 1 to 7 and indicate the type of plastic resin used to make the item.
The codes assist with recycling processes, as different plastic resins have distinct properties that require specific recycling methods.
If you see a 1, 2 or 3, the plastic will likely go into your curbside recycling bin. As for numbers 4 to 7, you will have to check with your local council. If you aren’t sure, it’s best to put it in your landfill bin.
What are plastic identification codes?
Recycling plastic can be confusing, but we’ve got your back. Here is a breakdown of the 7 plastic identification code numbers (and their corresponding plastic types) commonly found in Australia.
1 is PET (Polyethylene Terephthalate)
This plastic is commonly used for clear beverage bottles, such as soft drink bottles and water bottles. It is widely recycled in Australia.
2 is HDPE (High-Density Polyethylene)
This plastic is commonly used for milk jugs, detergent bottles, and some food containers. It is widely recycled in Australia.
3 is PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride)
This plastic is less commonly used for packaging and is often found in plumbing pipes, electrical cables and some medical products. Due to its complexity, it is recyclable but not as widely accepted in recycling programs.
4 is DPE (Low-Density Polyethylene)
This plastic is used for items such as plastic bags, squeeze bottles and some food wraps. It is recyclable but may not be accepted in all recycling programs.
5 is PP (Polypropylene)
This plastic is used for items like yoghurt containers, bottle caps and food packaging. It is recyclable but may not be accepted in all recycling programs.
6 is PS (Polystyrene)
This plastic is used for foam packaging, disposable cups and takeaway containers. It is less commonly recycled in Australia, but some facilities accept it.
7 is Other
This category includes plastics that don’t fall under the previous 6 numbers. It includes items such as food containers, multi-layer packaging and compostable plastics. Not all plastics in this category are recyclable, so it’s essential to check with local recycling facilities.
Marimekko Smartbag Unikko recycled polyester shopping tote, $45
Frank Green recycled co-polymer pet poo bag holder, $14.95
Recycling rule: if in doubt, throw it out!
Recycling capabilities can vary between recycling facilities. It’s important to check with your local council or recycling facility to understand which plastics are accepted in your area and how to properly prepare them for recycling.
But if you aren’t sure if an item can be recycled, put it in the bin. “My biggest piece of advice is ‘if in doubt, throw it out’,” says Lottie. “Put it in your landfill bin and do your research to see if you can recycle it next time.”
Koala Eco Room & Linen aromatherapy duo, $35
Country Road Hailey recycled polyester cushion, $79.95
