Recycling Symbols Explained

What recycling symbols mean

Packaging in the UK carries various symbols that tell you what materials are used and whether they can be recycled. Some are straightforward, others less so. Knowing what each symbol means can help you sort your waste correctly and avoid putting the wrong items in your recycling bin.

Different councils accept different materials, so a symbol alone does not guarantee something will be collected from your home. Always check with your local authority if you are unsure. Understanding these symbols can assist in making informed recycling choices.

Common material symbols

The aluminium symbol features two curved arrows forming a circle with the letters "alu" in the centre. You will find this on drinks cans, foil trays and food containers. Aluminium can be recycled repeatedly without losing quality, and most councils collect aluminium cans through kerbside recycling.

Steel packaging carries a symbol showing a magnet attracting a container. At many recycling facilities, magnets are used to separate steel from other materials. Food tins, biscuit tins and aerosol cans are often made from steel. Like aluminium, steel is widely accepted in household recycling collections across the UK.

Glass containers may display a symbol with a figure placing a bottle into a recycling bin. This "Tidyman" image reminds you to dispose of glass responsibly rather than indicating the material itself. Glass can be recycled endlessly without degrading. Many supermarkets and council sites have separate bins for clear, green and brown glass. Some councils offer kerbside glass collection, while others require you to use local bottle banks.

Plastic symbols show a triangle of three arrows with a number inside, typically ranging from one to seven. This number identifies the type of plastic resin used. However, the presence of this symbol does not mean the item is recyclable locally. Check the packaging for additional guidance or refer to your council's accepted materials list.

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The On Pack Recycling Label

OPRL, the On Pack Recycling Label scheme, appears on many products sold in the UK. These labels use clear wording to indicate recyclability:

• "Widely Recycled" means the item is collected by most councils
• "Check Locally" means collection varies by area
• "Not Yet Recycled" means it should go in general waste
• "Bring Recycling" refers to collection points at larger stores, which accept carrier bags and other flexible plastics

These labels are based on UK recycling infrastructure. They offer more practical guidance than generic international symbols, though collection services do change over time.

Symbols that cause confusion

The Green Dot, a circle of two interlocking arrows in green and white, does not mean an item is recyclable. It indicates the manufacturer has contributed to packaging recovery schemes, primarily in other European countries. The symbol is not mandatory in the UK and has little bearing on what you can recycle at home.

The Mobius loop, three chasing arrows forming a triangle, suggests an item can be recycled or contains recycled content. It does not guarantee your council will accept it. A percentage figure inside the loop indicates how much recycled material the product contains.

Compostable and biodegradable symbols are becoming more common. A seedling logo typically indicates industrial composting certification, meaning the item requires specific conditions to break down. These items should not go in home compost or standard recycling bins unless your council specifically accepts them.

Some packaging carries multiple symbols, which can add to the confusion. Focus on the OPRL labels where available, as these relate directly to UK recycling systems. Council collections have been revised in recent years as part of wider circular economy policies, so check for current local guidance.

For detailed guidance on recycling in your area, visit your local council website or use the recycling locator tool on the Recycle Now website, run by WRAP. GOV.UK also provides information on national recycling policies and waste management regulations.