Recycling Symbols Explained

We see symbols every day that symbolise recycling, but have you ever wondered what they actually mean? The most widely recognised recycling symbol is the mobius loop, which is the triangle with arrows, but do you know if this means the item is made of recycled materials? Or does it mean that it's recyclable? Here's our guide to the most common recycling related logos and what they actually mean.

Mobius Loop

This is the most well known symbol associated with recycling. It is usually used to indicate that a product is recyclable (rather than being made of recycled material) although has no official usage rules.
Green Dot Symbol

Rather than meaning the product is recycled or recyclable, the Green Dot means that the manufacturer has made financial contribution towards the recovery and recycling of packaging in Europe.
Compostable Logo

Also known as the 'Seedling Logo' this means the item is certified to be industrially compostable according to the European standard EN 13432/14955. Compostable items should never be placed in the recycling - they are designed to break down and would contaminate recyclable plastics. They should instead be placed in with your garden waste.
Widely Recycled Symbol

This logo is applied to packaging that is 'widely recycled' meaning that at least 75% of local authorities will accept in their kerbside recycling service (such as envelopes & plastic bottles).
Check Locally Symbol

This logo is applied to packaging that 20-75% of local authorities will accept in their kerbside recycling service (such as some plastics).
Not Yet Recyclable Symbol

The 'Not Yet Recyclable' logo means that less than 20% of local authorities accept this packaging in their kerbside recycling service (such as crisp wrappers).
Recycle With Bags Symbol

Some types of plastic are not widely recycled kerbside, but can be recycled at supermarket carrier bag collection points (such as PE plastic films, shrink wrap, magazine wrap and our Gloss Padded Bubble Bags). Some local authorities do accept these plastics in their kerbside service, but if unsure take to your local supermarket carrier bag point.
PETE Plastic Resin Code 1 Symbol

This logo represents the type of plastic resin used to make the item. 'Resin Identification Codes' are numbered 1 to 7 and define the type of resin used. Code 1 is PETE polyethylene terephthalate (e.g polyester fibres, soft drink bottles & carpet, furniture). Picked up through most curbside recycling programs.
HDPE Plastic Type 2 Symbol

This logo represents plastic resin type 2 - HDPE or PE-HD high-density polyethylene (such as milk jugs, laundry detergent bottles, playground equipment etc). Picked up through most curbside recycling programs.
PVC Plastic Type 3 Symbol

The plastic resin identification code 3 logo represents PVC or V polyvinyl chloride (e.g. trays for sweets and fruit, plastic packaging, flooring, lawn chairs, children's toys). Extensively recycled in Europe.
LPDE Plastic Type 4 Symbol

This logo represents plastic resin code 4 - LPDE or PE-LD low-density polyethylene, linear low-density polyethylene (examples include plastic bags, six pack rings, wash bottles). Although not often recycled through kerbside programs, often LPDE plastic can be recycled via supermarket carrier bag points.
PP Plastic Type 5 Symbol

This logo represents plastic resin code 5 - PP polypropylene, which is used for auto parts, food containers, dishware and industrial fibres. This type of plastic can be recycled through some kerbside programs.
PS Plastic Type 6 Symbol

This logo represents plastic resin type 6 - PS polystyrene (examples include coffee cup lids, video cassettes, insulation board, desk accessories). PS plastics can be recycled through some kerbside programs.
Other Plastic Type 7 Symbol

This logo symbolises plastic resin code 7 - OTHER or O, other plastics that do not fall into the grouping 1-6 such as acrylic, nylon, polycarbonate and polylactic acid (e.g. headlight lenses, safety shields/glasses).
Recycle Glass Symbol

This symbol is asking you to recycle the glass container.
Tidyman Symbol

The tidyman logo is from the Keep Britain Tidy campaign and asks you not to litter and dispose of rubbish in the most appropriate manner.
FSC Logo

The Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) logo is applied to wood-based products (paper, card and wood) from forests that have been well managed and independently certified in accordance with FSC rules.
Recyclable Aluminium Logo

This symbol indicates that the item is made from recyclable aluminium.