Do you know what the different recycling symbols mean?

Virgin Radio

3 Nov 2021, 11:08

With the world’s leaders currently at COP26 working out what can be done to help save the planet, many of us have been considering the everyday things that we can do to help the cause.

One very simple thing that everybody can do is, of course, to ensure that we are recycling wherever possible. Whilst most of us already do this, it can sometimes be a little confusing trying to work out what can, and cannot, be recycled, and what all of the different symbols mean on packaging.

So, in order to help us all get to grips with recycling, here is a rundown on what the main symbols that you’ll find on packaging mean (via Metro). The numbers below relate to the symbols in the above photo.

1. Recycle 

A fairly self-explanatory symbol to start with. If you see this on your packaging, it means that it is collected by 75% or more of local authorities across the UK. You should be able to put it in any recycling bin.

2. Rinse 

Another pretty straightforward one. If this is on your packaging, it means that it is recyclable, but you need to give it a rinse first, so that food residue doesn’t contaminate other materials.

3. Not currently recycled

Again, pretty easy to understand. This means that less than 20% of local councils currently collect this type of packaging for recycling, and therefore you need to put it in with your general waste. You can check with your local council, however, to see if they are one of the 20% that do collect for recycling.  

4. The Green Dot

This one’s a bit confusing. To look at it, you’d assume it means that the packaging is recyclable, but that’s not necessarily the case. The symbol, which is used in some European countries, simply means that a financial contribution has been paid to a national packaging recovery organisation. The Green Dot may appear alongside another recycling logo.

5. Mobius Loop

To many people, this is the most recognisable symbol. It might sound like something out of a science fiction film, but what the Mobius Loop actually means is that the packaging can be recycled, but that it hasn’t been made from recycled materials.

6. Plastic resin codes 

Slightly more complicated, this one. It explains what kind of plastic an item is made of. The number in the middle will usually go from one to seven. Generally, one and two are okay to go in your recycling bin, but you can check with your local council to find out if they recycle any of the other numbers. If your council doesn’t recycle the type of plastic, then unfortunately you’ll need to put it in with your general waste 

7. Glass recycling 

Simply, this symbol means that the glass packaging should go into your home recycling bin. Glass that doesn't have this symbol (for instance, light bulbs), needs to go to your local recycling centre.

8. Recyclable aluminium 

You’ll see this one when something aluminium is able to go in your recycling bin, such as drinks cans. Aluminium packaging that doesn’t have this symbol will need to be put in with your general waste.

9. Recyclable steel

Although steel is recyclable, you should take it to a recycling centre, rather than putting it in your home recycling bin.

10. Tidyman

The absolutely classic Keep Britain Tidy symbol. Basically, it means don’t litter. 

11. Waste electricals 

You’ll find this on electrical items that shouldn’t be put in with your general waste.

12. Compostable

Some packaging can be put in with your home compost and some can’t. Products which are industrially compostable may have this logo. Don’t put them in your home composting or food waste bin, but rather contact your local council to find how to recycle them.

14. Home composting

This is the symbol you will see when packaging is ok to be composted at home, including your food waste bin.

14. Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) 

The FSC logo means that an item has been made using wood from well-managed forests.