Recycling Symbols Explained

Recycling is a collaborative effort. When colleagues and customers place waste in the appropriate bin, they are participating in pre-cycling – the proactive step that ensures efficient recycling. Understanding recycling symbols is a crucial aspect of this process. By recognising these symbols, we can collectively improve our recycling practices and reduce environmental impact.

Why Recognising Recycling Symbols Matters

Recycling symbols on packaging can often be confusing, leading to contamination in recycling streams. When recyclable items are incorrectly sorted, they may end up in landfills instead of being processed into new products. This not only wastes valuable resources but also necessitates the production of more virgin materials, which increases environmental risks and emissions.

By educating colleagues and customers about common recycling symbols, businesses can significantly reduce waste and enhance their sustainability efforts. Sharing this knowledge is essential for creating a more sustainable future.

Common On-Pack Recycling Labels (OPRL)

Below is a guide to some of the most frequently seen recycling symbols. These labels are designed to help consumers and businesses make informed decisions about how to dispose of waste properly.

1. The Mobius Loop

The Mobius Loop, a triangle of three arrows, indicates that an item is recyclable. However, it does not necessarily mean that the product is made from recycled materials or that it will be accepted by all recycling programs.

2. Widely Recycled

This label means that the material is accepted by at least 75% of local recycling programs. Items with this label should easily fit into your recycling routine.

3. Don’t Recycle

This symbol means that less than 20% of local authorities will collect the material because it can’t be made into new products or packaging.

4. Recycle Rinse

Any products with this symbol will need to be rinsed before it can be recycled to avoid contamination. Most commonly found in food or drink related products.

5. Green Dot

This simply means that the producer has paid taxes contributing to packaging recycling and recovery in Europe.

6. Glass

These items need placing directly into glass household recycling containers or a bottle bank.

7. Paper, Card & Wood

Needless to say, this symbol represents a paper, card or wooden product that is Forest Stewardship Council accredited.

8. Check Locally

This symbol suggests that the item may not be widely recycled and advises consumers to check local recycling guidelines for specific instructions.

9. Not Yet Recycled

Items with this label are currently not recyclable through most local programs. These should be disposed of in the general waste bin.

10. Plastic Resin Codes

These codes, ranging from 1 to 7, classify different types of plastics. While some plastics (like PET #1 and HDPE #2) are widely accepted in recycling programs, others (like PS #6 and Other #7) are less commonly recycled.

11. Recyclable Aluminium

Commonly found on cans and tins, anything with this symbol can be disposed of in household recycling bins.

12. Recyclable Steel

These products will need to be taken to your local recycling centre. This symbol will be found on anything from computer to glass frames.

13. Waste Electricals

Basically anything with a plug or a battery cannot be placed in general waste and should be disposed of at a designated electrical recycling points.

14. Compostable Packaging

Feel free to recycle any items with this symbol within your garden waste. Be careful to avoid mixing compostable plastics with non compostable plastics.

The Importance of a Simplified Labeling System

The UK government has committed to creating a simplified recycling labelling system, which aims to reduce confusion and improve recycling rates. Simplifying these labels will help consumers quickly understand how to dispose of packaging correctly, leading to better recycling outcomes.

What You Can Do

• Educate: Share this guide with colleagues and customers to raise awareness about recycling symbols.
• Check Labels: Always take a moment to check the recycling label before disposing of an item.
• Advocate: Support initiatives aimed at simplifying recycling labels and improving recycling infrastructure.
• Reduce and Reuse: Focus not just on recycling but also on reducing waste and reusing materials whenever possible.

Recycling correctly is a small step that can lead to significant environmental benefits. By understanding and recognising recycling symbols, we can all contribute to a more sustainable future. 

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