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recycling symbols chart

by Miss Edyth Kilback PhD Published 3 years ago Updated 3 years ago

General recycling symbols

Moebius loop black - compressed (TIFF/ZI ...
General black 1 - compressed (TIFF/ZIP 3 ... General black 2 - compressed (TIFF/ZIP 3 ...
General black 3 - compressed (TIFF/ZIP 3 ... General black 4 - compressed (TIFF/ZIP 3 ...
General black 5 - compressed (TIFF/ZIP 3 ... General black 6 - compressed (TIFF/ZIP 3 ...
General black 7 - compressed (TIFF/ZIP 3 ... HDPE black - compressed (TIFF/ZIP 34KB) ...
Apr 27 2022

Full Answer

What do those recycling symbols mean, anyway?

What Does the Recycling Symbol Mean, Anyway?

  1. Recyclable (Sometimes, Some Places) Meaning #1: An item with this symbol on it is recyclable somewhere. This doesn’t mean an item is recyclable in San José!
  2. Made From Recycled Materials. The recycling symbol over a dark circle means that the item was made from recycled materials. ...
  3. Plastic Resin Code, or Type of Plastic. ...
  4. The How2Recycle Label. ...

More items...

What does the 5 in the recycling symbol mean?

What does the 5 in the recycling symbol mean?

  1. PETE – Polyethylene Terephthalate. The easiest of plastics to recycle.
  2. HDPE – High density Polyethylene.
  3. PVC – Polyvinyl Chloride.
  4. LDPE Low-density Polyethylene.
  5. PP – Polypropylene.
  6. PS – Polystyrene.
  7. Other.

What items are not recyclable?

While candy wrappers are not recyclable, flowers can be placed in green waste bins, and some mailers from online orders can be recycled at retailers. “If you're ordering things online, you might be getting these bubble mailers. These are recyclable, but only at retail locations.

How to read plastic recycling symbols?

Other symbols

  • The Green Dot. The Green Dot does not necessarily mean that the packaging is recyclable, will be recycled or has been recycled.
  • Mobius Loop. ...
  • Plastic resin codes. ...
  • Glass. ...
  • Recyclable aluminium. ...
  • Recyclable steel. ...
  • Tidyman. ...
  • Waste electricals. ...
  • Compostable. ...
  • Home composting. ...

More items...

What symbols mean it can be recycled?

The three green arrows going in a triangle simply means that it's capable of being recycled. Sometimes, the symbol will come with a percentage in the middle, signifying how much of it has been made from recycled materials. Three arrows in a triangle means that the item is capable of being recycled.18-Mar-2022

What plastic Cannot be recycled?

Unfortunately, plastic number 3, the so-called polyvinyl chloride is not recyclable in normal collections. Low-density polyethylene, also known as plastic-type #4, is used to make the infamous plastic bags like those provided by grocery stores and other retailers.20-May-2021

Which plastics can be recycled UK?

How to recycle in the UKPolyethylene Terephthalate (PET) - used in water bottles and plastic trays.High Density Polyethylene (HDPE) - used for milk cartons and shampoo bottles.Low Density Polyethylene (LDPE) - plastic carrier bags and bin liners.Polypropylene (PP) - margarine tubs and ready-meal trays.30-Nov-2021

What numbers can be recycled in Australia?

Here we explain the type of plastic relating to each symbol.1 – PET or Polyethylene Terephthalate. The easiest plastic to recycle. ... 2 – HDPE or High Density Polyethylene. ... 3 – PVC or Polyvinyl Chloride. ... 4 – LDPE or Low Density Polyethylene. ... 5 – PP or Polypropylene. ... 6 – PS or Polystyrene. ... 6 – PS or Polystyrene. ... 7 – Other.29-Oct-2019

What are three examples of items that Cannot be recycled?

Non-recyclable itemsGarbage.Food waste.Food-tainted items (such as: used paper plates or boxes, paper towels, or paper napkins)Ceramics and kitchenware.Windows and mirrors.Plastic wrap.Packing peanuts and bubble wrap.Wax boxes.More items...

Can candy bags be recycled?

The short answer is, unfortunately, no. Because they're made of a mix of materials like plastics and aluminum, most candy wrappers can't be recycled. The general rule is that the fewer materials something is made of, the easier (and less expensive) it is to recycle.23-Jul-2019

How do I know if plastic is recyclable?

On-pack recycling label (OPRL) Recycling labels tell you what type of packaging a product has and whether the packaging is recyclable. If it is recyclable, the label will also show whether you can pop the packaging in your household recycling bin or if you'll need to take it to your local recycling centre.24-Apr-2020

Can number 5 plastic be recycled UK?

5 – PP (Polypropylene) – Recyclable plastic (check Local Authority) PP can be recycled. However, you will need to check with your Local Authority to ensure it is recycled in your area.05-Feb-2018

What can't be recycled UK?

10 things you can't put in your household recyclingSticky notes. Getty Images. ... Toothpaste and other squeezable tubes. Getty Images. ... Drinking glasses and Pyrex dishes. Getty Images. ... Paper receipts. Getty Images. ... Crisp packets. ... Plastic sleeves on Lucozade Sport bottles. ... Pringles tubes. ... Cotton wool and make-up removal pads.More items...•19-Aug-2019

What is the recycle symbol in Australia?

The triangle recycling symbol you usually see in the most paper and plastic packaging suggests that a product is either recyclable or made from recycled materials.04-Apr-2021

What plastics Can you recycle in Australia?

Plastics that CAN be recycled:PET. Type of plastic: Polyethylene Terephthalate. ... HDPE. Type of plastic: High Density Polyethylene. ... PVC. Type of plastic: Polyvinyl Chloride. ... LDPE. Type of plastic: Low Density Polyethylene. ... PP. Type of plastic: Polypropylene. ... PS. Type of plastic: Polystyrene.31-Jan-2019

What plastic bottles can be recycled?

Most bottles and jugs are #1 plastic (PET) or #2 plastic (HDPE), which are both accepted by most curbside recycling programs. The type of plastic is identified with a resin ID code on the bottle. Occasionally you will find bottles made from #3-#7 plastics, such as those made from plants instead of natural gas.

What does the recycling symbol mean?

Recycling symbols & what they mean. Recycling symbols that appear on packaging are designed to inform but can often complicate the matter, meaning our waste has been ending up in the wrong place or even putting people off recycling altogether. According to WRAP up to 80% of potentially recyclable rubbish goes to landfills in the UK.

Why is the green dot misleading?

This widely used symbol can be misleading because it doesn’t necessarily mean you can recycle the item or if it’s made from recycled materials.

What to do before recycling goes off?

Two more helpful parts you can play before your recycling goes off to be processed is keeping lids on so they don’t get stuck in machinery and flatting items like plastic bottles that will make transporting it more efficient with less air.

Why are millennials less likely to recycle?

Millennials are often branded as the eco-warriors who are trying to turn the tide on waste flowing into the natural world , but contrary to this, they are less likely to recycle than older generations say the BSA. The main reason being confusion over what can and can’t be recycled.

What is compostable plastic?

Compostable. A symbol by European Bioplastics which certifies that a product is industrially compostable in accordance with the European Standard EN 13432. Don’t place items with this symbol in with regular recycling as it breaks down and can contaminate recyclable plastics. Instead place the item with garden waste.

How much does recycling paper save?

Recycling one ton of paper not only saves 17 trees but also 7,000 gallons of water, 380 gallons of oil, 3.3 cubic yards of landfill space, 4,000 kilowatts of energy AND reduces greenhouse gas emissions by one metric ton of carbon equivalent. Forest Stewardship Council logo.

What are some examples of recycling?

Examples include plastic bottles and cardboard. Do your bit by rinsing items with this symbol and avoid contaminating other materials that could attract vermin in recycling centres. Save on water by giving empty containers a rinse in your used washing up water then leave them to dry.

What does the PETE symbol mean?

Symbol 1 with the acronym PETE PETG plastic. Also known as PETE, this symbol represents polyethylene terephthalate, which is commonly used for soft drink bottles, mineral water containers, and fruit juice containers, and cooking oil containers. The plastic is easily recyclable so it’s often part of curbside recycling programs. It can be reused to make containers, carpet, and furniture.

What is PP plastic?

PP, or polypropylene plastic, , is appropriately marked by the number five symbol including the acronym PP. Thanks to its durability, strength, and low weight, this plastic is utilized in furniture, luggage, toys, and the lining and external borders of cars. This is one of the safer types of plastic making it ideal for ketchup bottles and medicine bottles. It is also increasingly being accepted in curbside recycling programs.

What does HDPE stand for?

Symbol 2 with the acronym HDPE indicates one of the most commonly used plastics in the United States, HDPE (which stands for high-density polyethylene). HDPE plastic is used for a number of different purposes but is widely considered the plastic of choice for containers for items like cleaning agents, milk, detergents, and washing soap thanks to its low weight and high strength.

What is the symbol for polystyrene?

Styrene plastic, also known as polystyrene, is marked with symbol 6 that includes the acronym PS. This plastic is commonly used in toys, hard packing, refrigerator trays, cosmetic bags, costume jewelry, CD cases, and vending cups. Although not accepted in many curbside recycling programs, it can be recycled to make egg cartons, take-out containers, and rulers.

What does the symbol 7 mean?

Symbol 7 including the word “OTHER” stands for “other plastics,” which include, but are not limited to, acrylic plastic, polycarbonate plastic, polylactic fibers, nylon, and fiberglass. Not every plastic can be recycled. However, both acrylic and polycarbonate can be recycled and can be repurposed for future projects.

What does LDPE stand for in plastic?

Symbol 4 with the acronym LDPE indicates that the plastic is made from LDPE plastic, which stands for low-density polyethylene. This plastic comes in the form of shopping bags, highly-resistant sacks, and crushed bottles.

Can PVC foam board be recycled?

Thanks to its lightweight and rigid properties, PVC plastic can be easily stamped, sawed, punched, nailed, riveted, or bonded using PVC adhesive. PVC is rarely recycled and not usually part of a curbside recycling program.

What does the OK compost symbol mean?

As the general OK Compost symbol only applies to industrial composting (with controlled levels of heat etc.), the “Home” version was created to indicate any packaging or product that would also be compostable in domestic setups.

What does the recycling symbol mean on corrugated packaging?

The first, the symbol on its own, is now generally understood to be the international symbol for recycling, indicating that the packaging can be recycled .

What is a resy?

In Germany a paper and board recycling scheme called RESY exists. RESY is a consortium including the union of paper producers, the union of cardboard producers and a recycling and reverse logistics specialist Vfw.

What does the green dot logo mean?

It simply signifies that the producer has made a (usually financial) contribution towards the recycling of packaging.

What is seedling logo?

The “Seedling” logo is a registered trademark of European Bioplastics, so suitable permissions / licensing would be required if you were you to use this recycling symbol on your packaging.

Is there recycling on packaging?

Chances are you have already seen recycling symbols on packaging you have come into contact with today. And with the vast majority of businesses striving to become more environmentally sustainable in the face of changing consumer demands, the use of recycled and recyclable packaging is likely to continue. But look closer and you will see there ...

What do the three arrows in the arrows represent?

Originally created by Gary Anderson, the three arrows are used to represent the three “R”s – reducing, reusing and recycling. The negative space (in the centre) is also designed to represent a pine tree, whilst also being a variant of the traditional “Mobius” loop which symbolises continuity with a finite entity.

Recycling symbols explained

These symbols are here to help you when you’re categorizing your waste. Recycling symbols may seem confusing but they don’t have to be.

What does not go in the recycling bin?

Ideally, all materials should be able to be recycled but that’s not the reality. It is also quite easy for materials to be contaminated from other types of waste. Some items may fall into the categories above but still should not end up in the recycling bins.

Conclusion

Recycling saves energy, raw materials and also reduces cost. Converting waste back to raw materials extends its usefulness. It is important to do it correctly to fully benefit from this process. Where possible avoid using single use items, especially single use plastics and choose reusable items.

How much plastic has never been recycled?

Many plastics can be readily recycled, but according to National Geographic, a whopping 91% of plastic has never even been recycled. With all the different rules and symbols, it can be confusing for consumers to figure out exactly what each plastic recycling symbol means and how to recycle it.

Why is chlorine in PVC?

Because chlorine is part of PVC, it can result in the release of highly dangerous dioxins during manufacturing. Remember to never burn PVC, because it releases toxins. Found in: Shampoo and cooking oil bottles, blister packaging, wire jacketing, siding, windows, piping.

Can LDPE be recycled?

How to recycle it: LDPE is not often recycled through curbside programs, but some communities might accept it. That means anything made with LDPE (like toothpaste tubes) can be thrown in the trash.

What is PLA made of?

PLA (polylactic acid), which is made from plants and is carbon neutral, also falls into this category. Found in: Three- and five-gallon water bottles, bullet-proof materials, sunglasses, DVDs, iPod and computer cases, signs and displays, certain food containers, nylon.

Can you recycle HDPE?

Flimsy plastics (like grocery bags and plastic wrap) usually can't be recycled, but some stores will collect and recycle them.

Is PS a carcinogen?

Styrene monomer (a type of molecule) can leach into foods and is a possible human carcinogen, while styrene oxide is classified as a probable carcinogen.

How to avoid plastic waste?

But the only way to avoid it is to: 1. Use less plastic on a whole. 2. Completely eliminate single-use plastic and . 3. Recycle the rest. Plastic recycling stations are far from sufficient, with only 12% of plastic currently being recycled in Australia.

What is the recycling symbol?

A recycling symbol is an identification code that uses a plastic recycling number to identify the type of plastic used in that product. Plastic has been around now for the last 60-70 years, and in that time we have managed to incorporate it into practically every part of our lives.

What is the code for recycling plastic bottles?

Chemical recycling of plastic will allow plastic bottles for example, (PET) Recycling code 1 , to be converted back into monomers and then be remade again into new polymer. This means that it can be turned into a plastic of any level on the quality chain, up or down.

What is PS in recycling?

PS is a multipurpose plastic used in a lot of products around the house. You can find it used in drinking cups, storage containers and toys. Recycling symbol 7 – All other Plastics. For example; PC Polycarbonate, PA Polyamide, acrylic, bioplastics etc.

How long does it take for plastic to decompose?

But as we know, the problem with plastic is that it doesn’t break down easily and can take up to 500 years to fully decompose. Using less plastic and recycling it properly is critical!

How much HDPE plastic is recycled?

However, since only about 30-35% of HDPE plastic utilized in America gets recycled annually , it’s knowing use as little as possible. to chop down, consider replacing your disposable produce bags with reusable alternatives. #3 – PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride)

What is the BPA in number 7 plastic?

Number 7 plastics are wont to make baby bottles, sippy cups, device bottles and car parts. BPA is found in polycarbonate plastic food containers often marked on rock bottom with the letters “PC” by the recycling label #7.

What does a 3 in plastic mean?

a 3 indicates that the bottle has been made up of PVC , a five means it’s been made from polypropylene, two materials that aren’t accepted by most public recycling centers.

What is compostable plastic made of?

A new generation of compostable plastics, made up of bio-based polymers like corn starch, is being developed to exchange polycarbonates. These also are included in category #7, which may be confusing to the buyer . These compostable plastics have the initials “PLA” on rock bottom near the recycling symbol.

What is LDPE in clothing?

LDPE is usually found in shrink wraps, cleaner garment bags, squeezable bottles, and therefore the sort of plastic bags wont to package bread. The plastic grocery bags utilized in most stores today are made using LDPE plastic. Some clothing and furniture also uses this sort of plastic.

How to cut down on LDPE?

To cut down on the quantity of LDPE that you simply consume, try replacing your plastic grocery bags with fabric alternatives and taking a cloth bag to your local bakery subsequent time you purchase a loaf of bread. you’ll also replace plastic sandwich bags with platinum silicone alternatives, which are heat safe.

Why is PVC considered a poison?

PVC is dubbed the “poison plastic” because it contains numerous toxins which it can leach throughout its entire life cycle. most products using PVC require virgin material for his or her construction; but 1% of PVC material is recycled. Products made using PVC plastic aren’t recyclable.

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