Basic guide for identifying waste management symbols

Here’s how you read symbols associated with waste management and recycling.

Whether you're puzzled by the multitude of symbols on recycling bins or want to decode product packaging, this resource will provide clarity on the essential symbols and their meanings.

Mobius Loop (Recycling Symbol)

This is the universal recycling symbol, consisting of three chasing arrows. It indicates that a product is capable of being recycled, but does not necessarily mean the product has been recycled or will be accepted in all recycling collection systems.

Compostable Symbols

Products with this symbol are capable of breaking down into natural elements in a compost environment, causing no harm to the ecosystem. This is often represented by a leaf or a similar nature-inspired symbol.

WEEE Symbol (Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment)

This symbol, which shows a crossed-out wheeled bin, indicates that the product should not be disposed of with general household waste, but rather collected separately for proper recycling.

The Green Dot

Although not a recycling symbol per se, the Green Dot indicates that the manufacturer has made a financial contribution towards the recovery and recycling of packaging in Europe. necessarily mean the product has been recycled or will be accepted in all recycling collection systems.

Tidyman

This symbol, depicting a person disposing of litter in a bin, doesn't directly relate to recycling but is a reminder to dispose of the item responsibly.

Paper Recycling Symbols

Indicate that the product is made from recycled paper. Sometimes, the percentage of recycled content is also mentioned. PAP codes range from 20-22 for corrugated fiberboard, paperboard and paper.

Glass Recycling Symbols

These symbols may indicate color separation for glass recycling (clear, green, brown) and usually appear on glass bottles and jars. GL codes range from 70-79 and account for mixed and clear glass.

Aluminium and Steel Recycling Symbols

Specific symbols for recycling aluminium cans and steel tins, often found on canned products.

Resin Identification Codes (RICs)

These are the numbers (1 through 7) inside the chasing arrows, which identify the type of plastic resin used in the product. Here's a quick rundown:

  • 1 (PETE/PET): Polyethylene Terephthalate, commonly used in water bottles and many disposable containers.

  • 2 (HDPE): High-Density Polyethylene, used in detergent bottles, milk jugs, etc.

  • 3 (V or PVC): Polyvinyl Chloride, used in some food wraps, plumbing pipes, etc.

  • 4 (LDPE): Low-Density Polyethylene, used in grocery bags, some food wraps, etc.

  • 5 (PP): Polypropylene, used in yogurt containers, syrup bottles, etc.

  • 6 (PS): Polystyrene, used in disposable coffee cups, plastic cutlery, packing foam, etc.

  • 7 (Other): Any other plastics that do not fall into the first six categories, including bioplastics, composite plastics, and those used in large water bottles.