Recycling symbols explained
Lots of products now have symbols on them to tell us more about what they are made from and how we can dispose of them.
This guide will help you understand what items you can recycle and which ones need to go into the bin.
On-Pack Recycling labels (OPRL)
OPRL's are on many different types kinds of packaging.
The labels clearly show you if something can be recycled or not. The labels are based on what the majority of Councils collect.
This label is applied to packaging collected by 75% or more of UK local authorities and then sorted, processed and recycled into new packaging or products.
Recycle
This label is applied to packaging collected by 75% or more of UK local authorities and then sorted, processed and recycled into new packaging or products.
Don't Recycle
This label is applied to packaging collected by fewer than 50% of UK local authorities and (or) is not able to be sorted, processed and recycled into new packaging or products.
Recycle Rinse
Rinsing recyclable packaging (for example yoghurt pots and soup tins) ensures that residue doesn’t contaminate other materials, particularly if they are collected together with paper.
Recycle at large supermarkets; don't recycle at home
You can see this label on plastic wrapping such as bread bags, fruit and veg bags, crisp packets and chocolate wrappers. You can recycle this type of packaging at recycling points in selected supermarkets. Remember, not all packaging has a label on it, but that doesn't mean it can't be recycled. If in doubt, enter your postcode into our Waste Wizard and search for the item you want to recycle.
Green Dot
This does not necessarily mean that the packaging is recyclable, will be recycled or has been recycled. It is a symbol used on packaging in some European countries and signifies that the producer has made a financial contribution towards the recovery and recycling of packaging in Europe.
Mobius Loop
This indicates that an object is capable of being recycled, not that the object has been recycled or will be accepted in all recycling collection systems. Sometimes this symbol is used with a percentage figure in the middle to explain that the packaging contains x% of recycled material.
Plastic Resin Codes
These identify the type of plastic resin used to make the item by providing a 'Resin Identification Code'. It is represented with a 'chasing arrows' symbol surrounding a a number between 1 and 7 that defines the resin used.
Tidyman
This symbol from Keep Britain Tidy asks you not to litter. It doesn't relate to recycling but is a reminder to be a good citizen, disposing of the item in the most appropriate manner.
Waste electricals
This symbol explains that you should not place any electrical item in the general waste. Electrical items can be recycled through a number of channels.
Compostable
Products certified to be industrially compostable according to the European standard EN 13432/14955 may bear the 'seedling' logo. Never place compostable plastic into the recycling with other plastics; as it is designed to break down it cannot be recycled and contaminates recyclable plastics. Plastics that carry this symbol can be composted at home.
Paper, card and wood
The Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) logo identifies wood-based products from well managed forests independently certified in accordance with the rules of the FSC.
Aluminium
This symbol indicates that the item is made from recyclable aluminium.
Glass
This symbol asks that you recycle the glass container.
Check if waste is recyclable
Remember if in doubt, enter your postcode into our Waste Wizard and search for the item you want to recycle. [update link when live]
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