As a nation, we’re becoming more environmentally conscious, and rightly so. The recycling rate of plastic packaging in the UK has risen from 25.2% to 52.5% in a little over a decade.
However, to create a sustainable future, we need to recycle more. UK packaging is marked with countless recycling symbols that offer guidance on how to dispose of various types of packaging. The problem is that most of them are confusing.
With so much information to remember, knowing how to recycle responsibly can sometimes feel overwhelming.
If you’re nodding your head and saying to yourself, “Exactly, what are these recycling symbols trying to tell me, and where do I put things?”—we understand your frustration.
To help you make the best packaging disposal choices, we will look at the UK’s most essential recycling signs and what they mean.
Essential UK recycling symbols you should know
The on-pack recycling label (OPRL)
OPRLs are designed to help you recycle or reuse your packaging correctly. You usually see these recycling symbols on the likes of:
- bread bags
- drinks cans
- plastic bottles
- crisp packets.
OPRL recycling symbols indicate how or where certain items are collected. However, it’s worth noting that different local authorities will collect slightly different things, so it’s always worth checking with your council if you’re unclear about a particular item or material.
Recycle
This common symbol is printed on packaging that is widely collected for recycling. Around 75% of local authorities collect and sort this type of packing from household recycling bins.
Don’t recycle
This recycling label is applied to packaging that isn’t widely collected and sorted by local authorities. If you see this symbol on a piece of packaging, you can place it in your general waste bin.
Recycle | Rinse | Lid on
Certain bottles are too small for recycling purposes. For bottles with a lid smaller than 40mm, this symbol means you should screw the lid back on before placing it in the recycling bin.
Recycle | Bottle cap on | Don’t recycle | Remove sleeve
Most plastic recycling symbols are misinterpreted by consumers, and this one is no exception. Here’s what to do if you see this symbol on a sleeved bottle:
- Remove the sleeve by pulling the perforated strip
- Put the bottle in your recycling bin
- Dispose of the sleeve in your waste bin
Recycle with bags at large supermarkets | Don’t recycle at home
This symbol commonly appears on items like chocolate wrappers, fruit and veg casing, bread bags, and crisp packets. You can take packaging like this to participating recycling points for sorting.
Well-known recycling symbols and logos
Getting to grips with the most common recycle symbols on packaging will help you handle waste more responsibly. Here are some other well-known logos you should know.
Tidyman
The Tidyman isn’t one of the official UK recycle symbols but is trademarked by Keep Britain Tidy. Found on almost every type of consumer packaging, this serves as a reminder not to litter — a simple call to be a good citizen and keep our planet clean.
Recyclable aluminium
You’ll rarely see a drinks can or metal aerosol container that doesn’t feature this distinctive recycling symbol. In most cases, you can place containers, cans or packing like this in your recycling bin.
The Mobius loop
Any packaging that displays the Mobius loop is capable of being recycled. However, some materials may not be accepted by all recycling programs, so it’s always worth checking with your local authority.
Most Mobius symbols feature a ‘%’ figure in the centre of the logo to show how much of the item is made from recyclable materials.
Waste electricals and batteries
The widely known ‘cross over a wheelie bin’ recycle symbol is commonly found on batteries and electrical product packaging.
Items displaying this symbol should be taken to local recycling centres or participating retailers. Some local authorities allow you to recycle batteries and small electrical goods through household collections, but as we’ve mentioned, it’s always worth checking first.
The green dot
This symbol is widely recognised in many European countries and indicates that the packing producer has made a financial contribution towards the recycling or recovery of the product. However, it isn’t a sign that a piece of packaging can be recycled.
Glass
The glass symbol signifies that you can recycle your jars or containers in your domestic recycling box or at a local bottle bank. You should always clean your glass containers before recycling.
Home compostable packaging
Packaging with this symbol can be composted in your designated garden waste bin.
This ‘seedlings’ logo is a registered trademark of European Bioplastics. According to the European composting standard (EN 13432/1495), these products are certified to be industrially compostable. They will also biodegrade under regulated conditions in an industrial composting plant.
Essential plastic recycling symbols: resin codes 1 – 7
Not all plastic packaging can be recycled, but understanding ‘recycling symbols 1-7’ can help you dispose of plastic responsibly.
NOTE: The number in the code indicates the type of resin used in the production process.
1. Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET/PETE)
PET is a widely recycled plastic that is used to manufacture clear single-use plastic bottles.
2. High Density Polyethylene (HDPE)
You usually find this type of plastic in thick containers like shampoo bottles, domestic cleaning products or margarine tubs.
3. Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC/V)
This style of plastic isn’t widely collected and is hard to recycle. You usually find PVC in healthcare products, flooring, wire, and cable insulation.
4. Low-Density Polyethylene (LDPE)
Found in plastic bags and squeezable bottles, you can usually recycle it at dedicated recycling points, including some supermarkets.
5. Polypropylene (PP)
Most plastic trays and tubs contain PP, a material that is widely accepted for recycling.
6. Polystyrene (PS)
Used in disposable cutlery, meat trays, and takeaway containers, this material can come in harder or softer forms and is difficult to recycle.
7. Other
This plastic recycling code is used for anything that doesn’t fit into the above categories. Typically, you find ‘other’ materials in crisp or rice packets, and you can dispose of them at specialist recycling points in your area.
Signing off
We hope this guide has cleared up any confusion and helps you make confident choices when it comes to recycling.
If you run a business and you want to improve the way you handle your rubbish, packing, and materials, explore our range of waste management and recycling solutions.