By: John Glover (MBA)

If you found a magic lamp and could make three wishes, what would you ask for? While many of us might dream of wealth or new opportunities, when it comes to the planet’s health, we can’t simply wish for a solution. Recycling is one area where many believe technology can wave a magic wand and fix our waste problems, but in reality, effective recycling requires more than just good intentions. It demands conscious action from individuals and the smart use of technology to optimize the process.

JD Ambati, Founder and CEO of EverestLabs, highlights a significant issue that undermines the recycling process—”wishcycling.” This term describes the habit of tossing an item into the recycling bin without knowing if it can actually be recycled. “Wishcycling happens when people place an item into the recycling bin without knowing whether it can actually be recycled or not,” explains Ambati. “This creates more work for sorting facilities, can sometimes contaminate actual recyclable materials, and can cause equipment damage resulting in plant downtime.” The good news is that awareness and improved technology can make a big difference in tackling this problem.

The Problem with Wishcycling

While tossing that old plastic container or greasy pizza box into the recycling bin might seem harmless, these actions can have significant consequences. Contaminated or non-recyclable items can spoil entire batches of recyclables, forcing recycling facilities to discard what could have been valuable materials. Furthermore, these items can damage sorting equipment, leading to costly repairs and downtime, which further slows down the recycling process.

Wishcycling also reflects a larger issue: the lack of public understanding of what can and cannot be recycled. Many consumers feel that they are doing their part by recycling more, but when materials are improperly sorted, it can end up doing more harm than good. “The best recycling outcomes start with the choices we make at home,” says Ambati. “While technology can help us process materials more efficiently, we also need to be mindful of what we put in our recycling bins.”

How Technology Is Changing the Game

Fortunately, advancements in technology are transforming how recycling facilities operate, making it easier to manage and sort through large volumes of waste. Robotics and AI are playing crucial roles in these efforts. EverestLabs, for example, utilizes AI-driven robotic systems to help identify and sort recyclable materials with greater precision and speed than traditional methods. These robots can quickly recognize different materials, even when they are dirty, crushed, or partially covered, and separate them accordingly.

Ambati stresses that while technology significantly improves efficiency, it cannot solve the problem alone. “We all need to make sure we’re doing our due diligence before we toss a questionable piece of packaging into the trash,” he says. In other words, human behavior is still a critical part of the equation. Robots can sort recyclables more effectively than ever, but they can’t make judgment calls on what should be placed in the recycling bin in the first place.

The Role of Individuals in Recycling Success

As much as technology can optimize the recycling process, individual actions still play a vital role in determining outcomes. Proper recycling starts with consumers taking a few extra moments to understand their local recycling guidelines. This may involve rinsing out containers before recycling or being aware of materials that cannot be processed, such as certain types of plastic bags, Styrofoam, or heavily soiled items.

Education is key to breaking the wish cycling habit. Recycling centers and municipalities can help by providing clearer guidelines and public awareness campaigns about what materials are accepted. Schools and community groups can also play a role in spreading the message about responsible recycling practices. By equipping people with the knowledge to recycle correctly, we can reduce contamination and make the entire system more efficient.

A Shared Responsibility for the Future

The challenge of effective recycling highlights the need for a combined effort from both humans and technology. While tools like AI and robotics make a significant impact in optimizing the sorting process and reducing contamination, the human element remains essential in preventing problematic items from entering the system in the first place. It’s not enough to rely on machines to fix our recycling habits—we must all do our part.

“Protecting the environment starts at home,” says Ambati. “Practicing healthy recycling habits is what the earth needs to thrive.” Real progress in recycling requires more than just wishing for a solution. It demands that we all take concrete steps to educate ourselves, change our habits, and embrace technology as a tool for good.

There is no magic genie to grant our wishes for a cleaner planet. It will take real effort, better practices, and a willingness to learn from our mistakes to create a more sustainable future. So, when you think about your third and final wish, consider using it not for an easy solution but for the resolve to take action and make a lasting impact. Together, we can achieve more than any wish could ever grant.

Published By: Aize Perez