The Meaning Of The Recycling Symbol

Ever wonder what those little recycling symbols mean? It can sometimes feel like the wild west, so we're here to help you figure out what to do with your packaging.

On-pack recycling label

Spot these labels on everything from soda cans to shampoo bottles. They’ll guide you on whether you can recycle at home or need to head to a recycling center. Since recycling rules vary by location, on-pack recycling labels are based on what most places accept.

Recycle Found on items collected by 75% or more UK authorities.

Don’t Recycle Less than 50% of authorities collect these items.

Recycle | Rinse Clean out food residue to avoid contamination.

Recycle | Lid On Keep small lids on bottles.

Recycle at Supermarkets Don't recycle at home, drop off at designated recycling points.

Recycle | Bottle Cap on | Don't Recycle | Remove Sleeve Look out for labels that tell you to remove a sleeve, film, or liner. For instance, if a bottle has a sleeve, just pull the perforated strip to take it off. The bottle goes to recycling, but the sleeve heads to the bin.