Wishcycling 101: Don't Wish Recycling into the Landfill
Published on September 30, 2025
We've all been there -- standing over our recycling cart wondering if that item in our hand goes in Big Green or Big Blue.
Instead of tossing it in the trash, you throw it in Big Green, your mind whispering, "Maybe it can be recycled."
That hopeful habit is called wishcycling, and while it comes with good intentions, in reality, it causes more harm than good. That's because items that don't belong in the recycling cart can damage equipment, slow down the sorting process, and more times than not, ruin the usability of an entire cart of good recyclable materials.
The truth is, not everything that looks recyclable is recyclable or accepted in Oklahoma City's recycling program. Plastic bags, Styrofoam, tanglers like cords, holiday lights and hoses, plus household items like toys and clothing are common "wishcycling" offenders.
How do I stop wishcycling in OKC?
Stick to the BIG SIX:
1. Household plastic bottles, jugs and containers
2. Paper - office paper, junk mail, flyers, phone books and newspaper
3. Paperboard cartons - milk cartons, juice cartons
4. Glass bottles and jars
5. Cans - aluminum and steel food or beverage cans
6. Cardboard - shipping cardboard, cereal boxes
What else?
• Make sure every item is empty, clean, and dry before it goes in Big Green.
• Throw everything loose in your recycling cart - DON'T BAG RECYCLABLES
If you’re not sure whether something is recyclable, it’s always better to toss it in Big Blue than risk contaminating the recycling stream. What’s better, go to RecycleOKC.com to see what we do -- and don't -- accept.
Recycling is one of the simplest ways we can protect natural resources and reduce waste, but it only works when we all recycle right. Next time you feel that urge to “wish” something into the cart, pause and remember—recycling works best when we stick to the Big Six.