They never learn ...
years ago, Germany introduced a recycling campaign “The Dual System”. Instead of throwing away packaging materials (tins, plastic wrap, joghurt cups ...), they *wash* them then dispose of them in special yellow bags / containers. This is then taken to a recycling center / burned.
Sounds great and they became real masters at it in the hopes of saving money AND doing something for the environment!
Then the law of unintended consequences struck. The local refuse removal & disposal companies, which were paid by quantity / weight suddenly could not cover thier core operational expenses - SO they raised the rates. So now the Germans essentially have been hit twice - additional expense of separating & washing packaging AND additional costs for the removal & disposal of the “rest”.
Now - the electric companies are raising rates because they can’t cover thier core expenses due to the “we must save energy at all costs” meme. So now they pay more for thier light bulbs and most other products, pay additional taxes on energy consumption to stuff holes in the thier Social Security System AND the rates for electricity go UP.
Great Savings, coming to a country near you!
The only time I’ve heard of people washing packaging material for recycling was in satire (making fun of the over-the-topness of the whole concept). In the real world, not so much. (Though it’s probably true that a few nutty individuals would do that.)