It can be difficult to know whether a product is recyclable.
However, you can often identify if a product is recyclable by looking for symbols often found on the underside of packaging ( plastics alone have several symbols of their own!).
There are several systems of symbols found on packaging in the UK, the most common symbols and their meanings are listed below.
The Green Dot
This is not actually a recycling symbol but instead indicates that the manufacturer of the product financially contributed to the cost of recovery and recycling.
Mobius Loop
This denotes that a product can be recycled.
Glass Recycling
This symbol is a prompt to recycle glass at a bottle bank or at kerbside recycling collections if available.
Aluminium Recycling
This is a prompt disposal of the waste in an Aluminium recycling facility.
Polyethylene Terephthalate
This 01 symbol indicates that a product is made from Polyethylene Terephthalate, a fully recyclable material. Examples of this plastic include; drinks bottles drink bottles, pots, tubs, trays.
High-Density Polyethylene
This 02 symbol indicates that a product is made from high-density polyethylene, a recyclable material. Examples of this plastic include; milk containers, washing up liquid containers.
Poly Vinyl Chloride
This 03 symbol indicates that a product is made from polyvinyl chloride, a recyclable material.Examples of this plastic include; food trays, cling film, cosmetics bottles.
Low-Density Polyethylene
This 04 indicates that a product is made from low-density polyethylene, a recyclable material. Examples of this plastic include; carrier bags and bin liners.
Polypropylene
This PP symbol indicates that a product is made from Polypropylene, a recyclable material. Examples of this plastic include; margarine tubs, microwavable meal trays.
Polystyrene
This ‘PS’ symbol indicates that a product is made from polystyrene, a recyclable material. Examples of this plastic include; yoghurt pots, foam meat or fish trays, hamburger boxes and egg cartons, vending cups, plastic cutlery, protective packaging for electronic goods and toys.