Recycling Symbols: What They Mean and How to Use Them
Recycling is important for reducing waste and protecting the environment - but understanding the different recycling symbols on packaging can be confusing. These symbols are designed to help you recycle properly, but with so many variations, it’s easy to get lost. Here’s a clear guide to the most common recycling labels and what they mean.
On-Pack Recycling Label (OPRL)
The On-Pack Recycling Label (OPRL) helps consumers understand how to properly recycle or dispose of packaging. These labels appear on everyday items like plastic bottles, crisp packets, and bread bags. Here’s what each type of OPRL means:
- Recycle – The packaging is widely collected and can be recycled through household recycling programs.
- Don't Recycle – The packaging isn’t widely collected or cannot be properly sorted for recycling.
- Recycle – Rinse – Packaging that held food should be rinsed to avoid contaminating other recyclables.
- Recycle – Lid On – Small lids (under 40mm) should be kept on bottles to ensure they’re recycled correctly.
- Recycle with Bags at Large Supermarkets – Don't Recycle at Home – Plastic wrapping (e.g., bread bags, crisp packets) can be recycled at collection points in major supermarkets.
- Recycle – Bottle Cap On – Don't Recycle Remove Sleeve – If a bottle has a sleeve, remove and dispose of the sleeve before recycling the bottle with the cap on.
General Labels
Mobius Loop
The presence of the loop on a product or packaging shows that the item is capable of being recycled. Sometimes the symbol also contains a number and percentage to show that the item is also made of recycled materials.
The Mobius loop is an internationally recognized symbol of recycling that has been in use since 1970. The symbol is in the public domain and there are endless designs and variants in use, always following the principle of three arrows in a triangle or circle shape.
Variations exist around the world: Taiwan uses a square version of the symbol using four arrows, with the negative space creating further arrows pointing outward.
Green Dot
The Green Dot symbol is not a recycling symbol, nor does it mean the packaging it’s applied to is recyclable. The presence of the symbol shows that a license fee has been paid towards a recovery and waste management programme by the company producing the item.
The Green Dot is widely used in Europe, where the scheme is covered under the European Packaging and packaging waste directive. The cost of the scheme is intended to encourage companies to cut down on packaging.
Tidyman
The Tidyman symbol is commonly used in the UK, and is trademarked by the charity Keep Britain Tidy. Brands can use the icon on their packaging for a fee, which supports the charity and their campaigns focused on reducing litter and waste, and promoting sustainability.
Forestry Stewardship Council (FSC)
The FSC symbol is used worldwide and is a certification that encompasses environmental and social concerns about the origin of the materials used. There are three FSC labels currently in use, which indicate that the materials used are from responsibly managed, FSC-certified forests, are recycled, or are a mix of the two. The labels do not indicate how a product should be disposed of or recycled.
Plastic Resin Codes
Plastic resin codes have been in use since their introduction in 1988 and identify the type of plastic used. The symbol may display the abbreviation of the material below the triangle or just display the number inside. The symbols are used internationally.
The symbol does not mean that the product is recyclable, and in some cases, the triangle is a solid triangle without arrows to avoid confusion about the product’s recyclability.
Instructional Labels
How2Recycle
The How2Recycle label is used across North America and gives information on the material of an item and instructions for how to recycle. Where products are made of multiple materials, the symbols can be combined to give instructions for each component. For example, a plastic food tray, with a film lid, and an outer cardboard sleeve.
On-Pack Recycling Label (OPRL)
The OPRL system is based in the UK, and labels according to how and where they should be recycled—or not. Where products comprise multiple components, the symbols may be combined to give instructions for each part of the product. For example, a plastic bottle, with a lid, and a paper sleeve. The guidance on whether or not something is recyclable is based on what percentage of local authorities are able to process the item.
The Australasian Recycling Label
The Australasian Recycling Label (ARL) is used in Australia and New Zealand and gives information on the material(s) of an item and how it should be recycled or disposed of. Much like the US and UK systems, the label will contain multiple symbols for items comprised of multiple materials.
Triman
The Triman symbol is used in France and indicates the recyclability of a product and is used alongside text or pictograms indicating how to sort and recycle the item. The harmonized system is color-coded and used across all waste streams, including paper, plastic, metal, glass, textiles, and electrical goods.
The symbol has been in use since 2015, but an update in 2022 made it mandatory to print on all products and packaging sold in France. As the symbol is required for items imported into France, it is often seen on items in other countries and regions.
Crossed-Out Trash Can
Used worldwide, this symbol indicates that the item should not be disposed of in general waste and indicates a special category of hazardous Universal Waste. Items in this category include electrical items, household batteries, lithium-ion batteries, fluorescent lightbulbs, mercury thermometers, and pesticides.
It is important to follow guidelines in your region for these items, as improper disposal can lead to hazardous situations.
Compostable Labels
Compostable Seedling
The Compostable Seedling logo indicates that an item is compostable and certified to EN 13432, meaning the item will fully degrade in an industrial composting plant. The seedling logo is a registered trademark owned by European Bioplastics, and certification is offered by DIN CERTCO and TÜV Austria Belgium.
OK compost
There are two OK compost labels and certifications: OK compost HOME and OK compost INDUSTRIAL, both commonly used in Europe.
OK compost INDUSTRIAL certifies a product complies with EN 13432, meaning the product will fully degrade in an industrial composting facility.
OK compost HOME tests at lower temperatures for longer periods to simulate home composting environments.
BPI Compostable
The BPI Compostable certification mark is commonly used in North America and tests items to ASTM D6400 and ASTM D6868 standards, which confirm items are suitable for commercial composting facilities.
Home Compostable Logo
The Home Compostable Logo, launched by the Australasian Bioplastics Association (ABA), certifies products compliant with the AS 5810-2010 standard, suitable for composting in both home compost bins and industrial or commercial settings.
Biobased Labels
The BioPreferred Program
The BioPreferred Program, managed by the US Department of Agriculture (USDA), measures the biobased content of a product using ASTM D6866. The USDA has established minimum biobased content standards for many product categories.
Other Labels
Prevented Ocean Plastic
The Prevented Ocean Plastic program defines plastics sourced within 50km of an ocean coastline or major waterway, with traceability to prevent ocean pollution.
European Single-Use Plastic
Items like wet wipes, sanitary towels, and tobacco products sold in the EU must display labelling indicating they contain plastic.
Plastic Resin Codes
The arrowed triangle with a number inside identifies the type of plastic used. Some plastics are widely recycled, while others are more difficult to process:
- PET (Polyethylene Terephthalate) – Common in clear plastic bottles; widely recycled.
- HDPE (High-Density Polyethylene) – Found in thicker bottles (e.g., shampoo); widely recycled.
- PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride) – Difficult to recycle; used for pipes, flooring, and window frames.
- LDPE (Low-Density Polyethylene) – Used in plastic bags and wraps; recyclable at large supermarkets.
- PP (Polypropylene) – Used for yogurt pots and margarine tubs; widely recycled.
- PS (Polystyrene) – Used for disposable cutlery and foam trays; difficult to recycle.
- Other – Mixed plastics like crisp packets; may be accepted at specialized recycling points.
Other Common Recycling Symbols
Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) Logo
Products with the FSC logo contain wood from responsibly managed forests.
RESY
This German recycling symbol guarantees that the paper or cardboard packaging can be recycled.
Compostable Packaging
The "seedling" logo indicates that packaging can be composted under controlled industrial composting conditions.
Home Compostable Packaging
This symbol means the packaging can be composted at home or through local garden waste collections.
How EaseCert Helps with Product Labelling
At EaseCert, we help ensure that your product labelling complies with EU requirements. This includes verifying that safety warnings, usage instructions, and compliance markings are accurate and clearly displayed. Proper labelling not only ensures regulatory compliance but also helps consumers make informed decisions and use products safely. Our support ensures that your product meets industry standards and reduces the risk of fines or recalls due to incorrect labelling.