Here is a video of workers removing contamination from Wake County recycling:
What happens if I don’t recycle correctly?
Unfortunately, recycling incorrectly (or "wishcycling") has consequences for the entire Wake County Solid Waste Management Division.
- Decreases efficiency because employees still have to hand-pick unacceptable items from the recycling line
- Is bad for the environment because contaminated materials will have to be shipped to landfills
- Causes equipment and machinery to jam up or break down
- Small pieces of broken glass or liquid can cause harm to employees
- Costs Wake County because the sorting facility passes on the costs of removing contaminants
- Contaminated materials create unsanitary conditions for employees and attract pests