Recycling Symbols Explained
Recycling symbols appear on nearly all products we use each day. They help you understand what the material is made from and whether you can recycle it. Because each symbol carries a different meaning, it is important to know what they tell you. When items go into the wrong bin, contamination increases and recycling slows down. Therefore, learning these symbols helps you recycle correctly and make informed decisions when buying products.
Aluminium Recycling Symbol
This symbol confirms the product is made from aluminium. You can place the item into an aluminium or mixed metal recycling container. Always wash food and drink containers before recycling. Most household collections and recycling centres accept aluminium, which makes this symbol straightforward.
Compostable Symbol
You will usually see this logo on plant-based packaging. It appears on compostable carrier bags, garden waste liners, produce trays and disposable tableware. When placed in the correct composting system, these products break down within around 90 days without leaving toxic residue. The logo is a registered trademark of European Bioplastics.
Mobius Loop / General Recycling Symbol
The Mobius Loop is the most recognised recycling symbol. It shows that the item is recyclable. However, you should always check with your local recycling centre, because acceptance varies by area. Sometimes the symbol includes a percentage figure. This tells you how much recycled content the product contains.
Recycle Now Logo
This recycling symbol is the logo of Recycle Now, the national recycling campaign for England and Northern Ireland. You will often see this logo at your local recycling facility and local authority recycling vehicles, literature and recycling containers. You may also see the Recycle Now logo on products to highlight whether they can be recycled in the UK, for example, a plastic water bottle.
Steel Recycling Symbol
This logo confirms the product is made from steel. Steel is widely recycled across the UK. As with aluminium, wash food and drink containers before recycling. Most recycling centres and public drop off sites accept steel.
Tidyman Symbol
The Tidyman symbol does not indicate recyclability. Instead, it encourages responsible disposal. You will often see it on drinks bottles and food packaging. The message is simple. Place your waste in the correct bin and reduce litter.
WEEE Symbol
The crossed out wheelie bin logo appears on electrical equipment manufactured after 13 August 2005. It means you should not put the item in your general waste bin. Instead, take it to your local recycling centre or use a specialist WEEE recycling company such as Pure Planet Recycling. A similar logo appears on batteries, usually without the black bar underneath.
If you want to understand plastic recycling symbols as well, read our full guide: Types of Plastics.
