The Meaning of Recycle Symbols

The Recycle Mark is a call for action. Please try and recycle whenever possible. If you are unsure if the item is collected locally, check the postcode locator.

The new packaging symbols

New packaging symbols are now starting to appear on some packaging. They help to identify how different parts of packaging can be recycled.

“Widely Recycled” means 65% of people have access to recycling facilities for these items.
“Check locally” means 15% - 65% of people have access to recycling facilities for these items.
“Not recycled” means less than 15% of people have access to recycling facilities for these items.
These symbols are a guide to how widely different packaging items are recycled, however you should always follow the advice of your local authority.  Check the postcode locator and see what you can recycle in your area.

The Green Dot

The Green Dot does NOT necessarily mean that the packaging can be recycled. It is a symbol used on packaging in many European countries and signifies that the producer has made a contribution towards the recycling of packaging.

Plastics

Identifies the type of plastic: PET and HDPE bottles are recycled by the majority of local authorities.

Glass

Please dispose of glass bottles and jars in a bottle bank (but remember to separate colours) or use your glass kerbside collection if you have one.

Recyclable Aluminium

Can be placed in an aluminium recycling facility.

Recyclable Steel

Can be placed in a steel recycling facility.

Mobius Loop

Indicates that an object is capable of being recycled - not that the object has been recycled.

Mobius Loop with percentage

Shows the percentage of recycled material contained in the product.

Paper

To be given the National Association of Paper Merchants mark, paper or board must be made from a minimum of 75% genuine waste paper and / or board fibre, no part of which should contain mill produced waste fibre.

Wood

The Forest Stewardship Council logo identifies products which contain wood from well managed forests independently certified in accordance with the rules of the FSC A.C.

Tidyman

Dispose of this carefully and thoughtfully. Do not litter. This doesn’t relate to recycling, but is a reminder to be a good citizen, disposing of the item in the most appropriate manner.

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