Are you finding that although you make efforts to protect the environment by using reusable products and switching to green energy, recycling still poses a challenge for you? You’re not alone in this struggle. Studies show that a significant portion of the waste produced by individuals can be recycled, yet it is often not done.
We’ve all seen the variety of recycling symbols on our packaging, but what do the different recycling symbols mean? The confusion caused by the symbols on packaging materials may be a contributing factor to this. A survey conducted by the British Science Association revealed that younger people, specifically those between 25 and 34, tend to be less inclined to recycle due to uncertainty about what can and can’t be recycled.
It's likely that you've been unknowingly making mistakes when it comes to recycling. Read on to discover what you need to know to correct your errors.
UK Recycling Symbols Explained
Here are a few of the most common recycling symbols you’re likely to come across day-to-day, explained.
The Green Dot
The Green Dot recycling logo is a trademarked symbol used in many European countries. It indicates that a product or packaging is compliant with the regulations of the European Union regarding the use and recycling of packaging materials. It’s used to indicate that the manufacturer of the product or packaging has made a financial contribution to a recycling programme, which covers the cost of collecting and recycling used packaging materials.
The logo serves as a visual cue for consumers, letting them know that the product or packaging follows EU regulations, and that the manufacturer is taking responsibility for its proper disposal.
The Mobius Loop
The Mobius loop recycling logo is a recycling symbol that features a stylised representation of a Mobius loop. It’s used to indicate that a product or packaging is made from recycled materials or is recyclable.
The symbol sometimes includes a percentage figure in the centre, indicating that the packaging includes a certain percentage of recycled materials.
Paper Recycling Symbol
The Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) recycling logo is a certification mark used to indicate that a product or packaging is made from responsibly managed forests. The FSC is an independent, non-profit organisation that promotes responsible management of the world's forests. The FSC recycling logo is used on products and packaging that contain at least 70% post-consumer recycled materials and are FSC certified.
The logo lets people know that the product or packaging they are purchasing is made from responsibly managed forests and that the manufacturer is taking steps to ensure sustainable forestry practices. The use of this logo helps consumers make more informed purchasing decisions and supports responsible forest management globally.
Widely Recycled
The widely recycled logo is used in the United Kingdom to indicate that a product or packaging is widely accepted for recycling by local authorities. This logo is used by the UK packaging industry to help consumers identify products and packaging that can be easily recycled and help them to recycle correctly.
It is intended to give consumers an indication that the product or packaging can be recycled in most local authority recycling collection systems, but it is not a guarantee of recyclability in all cases. The widely recycled logo is aimed at reducing contamination in recycling collections and helping the UK to reach recycling targets.
Not Yet Recycled
The ‘not yet recycled’ logo is a symbol used to indicate that a product or packaging is not yet widely recycled by local authorities, but the company or manufacturer is working on making it more recyclable. This logo is typically used on products or packaging that are made from new materials or that have not yet been widely accepted for recycling by local authorities. It serves as a visual cue for consumers, letting them know that the manufacturer is aware of the recyclability issue and is taking steps to improve it.
Glass Recycling Symbol
The glass recycling symbol is used in the United Kingdom to indicate that a product or packaging is made of glass and is recyclable.
Glass is 100% recyclable and can be recycled endlessly without losing quality or purity. Glass recycling not only conserves natural resources but also reduces energy consumption and carbon emissions. The use of the glass recycling symbol on products and packaging is intended to give consumers an indication that the product or packaging can be recycled in most local authority recycling collection systems, but it is not a guarantee of recyclability in all cases.
Encourage Recycling in Your Workplace with Label Source
Our range of recycling symbol signs can be used to promote recycling and encourage environmentally-friendly waste management in a wide variety of settings. They should be placed near bins and recycling points to ensure that all materials are disposed of in the most environmentally friendly way possible.
These signs prominently display the easily recognisable Mobius loop recycling symbol and often include specific instructions for proper waste disposal.
