We don’t know about you, but at Freshbinz Ltd we do our best to recycle responsibly, but it can often be very confusing. Is that plastic drink bottle or food packaging recyclable or not?
We’ve put together a few points that might be helpful next time you find yourself squinting at a piece of packaging and deciding what to do with it.
The Mobius Loop
The Mobius Loop (three arrows forming a triangle) indicates that the packaging is recyclable. However, it doesn’t mean your local council accepts it. Always check your council’s recycling policies, as some materials, like certain plastics, may not be processed locally.
Widely Recycled Symbols
Many packages feature labels such as “Widely Recycled,” “Check Locally,” or “Not Recycled.” These phrases offer insight into how commonly an item is recycled. If it says “Check Locally,” it’s worth visiting your council’s website to see if they accept the material. “Not Recycled” items should typically go into general waste, but you can look for specialised recycling schemes.
Plastic Resin Codes
Plastics often feature a triangular symbol with a number (1–7). These numbers identify the type of plastic used, such as PET (1), commonly used for drink bottles, or LDPE (4), found in carrier bags. While some councils recycle PET and HDPE (2), others may not accept lower-grade plastics like polystyrene (6). Check before you dispose of them.
The Green Dot
Often confused with recyclability, the Green Dot symbol simply means the manufacturer contributes to recycling initiatives. It doesn’t guarantee the item can be recycled in the UK.
Glass and Metal Symbols
A crossed-out wheelie bin with a line through it indicates that the item, such as electronic equipment, batteries, or hazardous materials, mustn’t go into general waste. Glass and metal packaging may display specific logos indicating recyclability, but again, local facilities vary.
Compostable and Biodegradable Icons
Packaging labelled “Compostable” or displaying the seedling logo can be composted in an industrial setting but may not break down in home compost bins. “Biodegradable” is less regulated and doesn’t guarantee environmental safety if disposed of improperly.
Tidy Man
While not related to recycling, the Tidy Man icon reminds consumers to dispose of waste responsibly.
Key Takeaway
Understanding these symbols helps you recycle correctly, reducing contamination and waste. When in doubt, consult your local council or recycling service for accurate information. Small actions make a big difference in protecting our planet.
If that all sounds a little confusing, we apologise, but it seems that recycling is still a complicated business!