The future of recycling in America is filled with both promise and problems. We're overwhelmed with waste but with more effort we can recycle most of it. 

For years the focus has been on getting the consumer to recycle. That's shifting now and both the producers of consumer goods and the state and federal governments are taking action.

Wishcycling: Why We Think We're Doing Better Than We Are

It's a term you may have heard before but maybe aren't sure what it means. That's okay - you're not alone.

And it's something all of us are probably guilty of, although unknowingly. 

A recent article explains it this way,

"Wishcycling is when people place non-recyclable items in the recycling and hope those items will end up being recycled. The unfortunate reality, though, is that these actions contaminate the recycling stream and reinforce the very problem of waste."

And it is so easy to do!

Partly because not everything we think is recyclable actually is. But this is confusing, too, because we are taught that cardboard is recyclable, for example. However, it turns out that not all cartons and cardboard pieces can be recycled.

Like used pizza boxes. Turns out that greasy, food-contaminated cardboard and paper are not welcome in the recycling stream. Or how about a paper coffee cup with some coffee still in it and the lid on? Nope. 

Another part of the problem is that most of us simply aren't well educated on recycling processes so we tend to treat recycling like a magic process for turning all trash into something new.

But, there's no magic - just temperamental sorting machinery and lots of contaminated trash.

And, as another article points out, 

"The big problem with wishcycling is that it creates more waste. If non-recyclable materials contaminate recyclable materials, then those items may not be able to be recycled. In some cases, the whole load of items become so contaminated that the entire batch has to be tossed and thrown into a landfill."

RoadRunner Recycling has noted that about 28 percent of us view recycling as our civic duty, and a full 90 percent of Americans support recycling as a practice. Yet even with that support, the increased awareness,  the widespread adoption of curbside recycling programs, and all those recycling bins in public places, recycling in the US is flagging and shockingly imperfect.

A Look at the Future of Recycling in America

As we noted at the start of the article, despite the growing problems with waste management and recycling in the United States, there are good things on the horizon and the potential is certainly there to vastly improve our recycling efforts as a whole.

Here is a graphic we put together to give you an overview and a snapshot of the what the future of recycling in the U.S. may look like:

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When You Have Large Amounts of (Real) Recyclables

No wishcycling here!

At Junk King, we know the ins and outs of recycling, reuse, and how to ensure that anything and everything that can be recycled will be. That's because it's what we do. We're much more than a local junk removal service - we're part of the greenest junk removal service in America!

There are times when you may find yourself with far more recyclable trash, debris, or junk than you can haul away yourself. Or, you might be able to load and haul it, but you may not know where to take it all. 

No worries! That's our specialty.

While it is true that corporations, manufacturers, and producers are stepping up in the battle to decrease waste and increase recycling processes and practices, we consumers still have our part.

And, although the state governments, along with the federal government, is ramping up their legislative efforts to broaden and strengthen recycling and green waste management practices across the nation, much of it still comes down to the typical resident or employee some where in America. 

The really good news is that Junk King is your local resource to help with all types of recycling and junk removal needs.

Junk King: Your Local Partner for Junk Removal and Recycling

You can be confident that Junk King will always provides efficient, safe, and eco-friendly junk removal designed to make the whole process easy for you.

Which means you can rest assured that our experienced junk removal team has all the resources needed to remove and haul away large junk items, bulky materials, and just about any other trash items you have - quickly, easily, and efficiently. 

Your local Junk King team also makes sure that your reusable items end up in the right place. This might be a local non-profit group for those items that are still in usable condition, or a recycling facility so that your junk and other bulk trash items are disposed of in an eco-friendly way.

Which is just another cool way to say the we recycle. A lot.

For Junk King, "being green" and environmentally responsible is at the core of our company mission. And we carry out that mission every day by recycling, donating, or repurposing everything we possibly can - up to 60 percent or more, to be exact.

Our goal is to ensure that as little trash and junk as possible ends up in a landfill.

So, when it comes to bulk trash removal, we take the eco-friendly route by making sure that all the metals, plastics, glass, and other materials are broken down and recycled properly.

And, best of all, we do all the heavy lifting!

You simply point and we haul your trash items into our junk removal trucks, with no hidden fees.

Our professional and insured junk removal and disposal team will call 15 to 30 minutes before we arrive at your home. And, once we’re there, we’ll give you a free estimate based on how much room your bulk trash will take up in our truck, along with any other junk items you want to get rid of.

So, ready to get rid of all your junk with a green company? It's as easy as 1, 2, 3!

Just make an appointment by booking online above or by calling 1.888.888.JUNK (5865).