What is 'wishcycling'?
AnswerTossing non-recyclables in the bin hoping they get recycled
Wishcycling contaminates loads and can send good material to landfill.
Home · Facts & stats
Recycle facts & stats
8 fact-checked facts about recycling that actually works, each with the reason behind it. 4 more are in today's round and join this page after it closes.
The basics
Which item should never go in a curbside bin because it tangles machinery?
AnswerPlastic bags and film
Bags and film wrap around sorting equipment; take them to store drop-offs instead.
Going deeper
Roughly what share of plastic ever made has been recycled?
AnswerLess than 10%
A 2017 study in Science Advances estimated only 9% of all plastic ever produced had been recycled.
Glass is made mainly from what?
AnswerSand (silica)
Recycling glass saves sand and energy, and cullet melts at a lower temperature than raw materials.
Why are shredded paper and tiny pieces a problem for recycling?
AnswerThey fall through screens and contaminate other streams
Small pieces are hard to sort; many programs ask you to bag shredded paper or compost it.
E-waste is dangerous in landfills mostly because it contains...
AnswerHeavy metals like lead and mercury
Electronics hold lead, mercury, cadmium and flame retardants that can leach into soil and water.
Expert level
Which plastic resin codes are most reliably recycled in the US?
Answer#1 PET and #2 HDPE
Bottles and jugs made of PET and HDPE have strong end markets; #3 to #7 often do not.
What happens to most recyclables after collection?
AnswerThey are sorted at a materials recovery facility and sold as bales
A MRF uses screens, magnets, optical sorters and people to separate materials for sale to manufacturers.
Know these cold?Today's round is five questions like these, 20 seconds each. Your streak and level follow you to every arena.Play today's round