The Ultimate Guide to Understanding Packaging Recycling Symbols in the UK
Chemicals contaminating land and water, landfills overflowing and taking over natural rural habitats, greenhouse gases released into the atmosphere are just a handful of consequences we can expect to occur as a result of failing to recycle our waste. It is crucial that we recycle every item that can be recycled, and this starts with being able to correctly identify the different packaging recycling symbols that tell us whether or not we can recycle a product’s packaging and how to do so. Providing your customers with the right on-pack recycling symbol will enable them to do this successfully.
What Are On-Pack Recycling Symbols?
On-pack recycling symbols, or on-pack recycling labels (OPRL) are the recycling labels that appear on all types of packaging. From milk cartons to shampoo bottles, consumers can find out whether their packaging can be recycled by the packaging recycling symbol which is featured.
These packaging recycling symbols are only an indication, however; whilst they are correct in the majority of cases, the materials collected in recycling by local authorities do differ, so its recommended consumers double-check the recycling regulations in their area.
If you incorrectly recycle a material, the material will be disposed of – and can even contaminate the rest of the recycling it is with, meaning all of your recycling will end up in landfill. So, to give your packaging the best chance of being recycled, it is essential manufacturers provide the right label to help consumers understand common packaging recycling symbols
Don't Recycle
‘Don’t Recycle’ will appear on packaging which is collected by less than 50% of local authorities or is not suitable for recycling. Materials not suitable for recycling include non-paper wrapping paper, plastic straws, and plastic pump dispensers you find on the top of hand soaps.
Recycle
The Recycle symbol is an international symbol which gives you the green light to recycle packaging as is. Where the Recycle symbol is shown, at least 75% of local authorities are able to collect this material for recycling.
You may commonly see the Recycle symbol on paper and cardboard corrugated packaging which is clean and has had any tape or plastic inserts removed. PET and HDPE plastics can also be recycled at home; however, this label may contain some additional information.
Rinse and Recycle
The Recycle symbol will be accompanied by the word ‘Rinse’ – telling you the packaging must be clean in order for it to be recycled. Consumers must rinse this packaging to ensure it is clean.
The Rinse and Recycle label typically appears on food or beverage packaging, such as tins or yoghurt pots. If you fail to rinse this type of packaging, it cannot be recycled, and you may also contaminate the other materials in the recycling bin – which will then have to be disposed of.
Widely Recycled - Flatten, Cap On
This symbol means you can recycle at home as normal, however the label does advise consumers to take a few extra actions. Unlike the above, where rinsing your packaging is mandatory, ‘Flatten, Cap On’ is a suggestion and the success of your recycling does not depend on it.
For items such as plastic drinks bottles and juice cartons, it is suggested you squash the packaging first to flatten it, before putting the lid back on. This will ensure the bottle or carton stays flat, and the lid gets recycled at the same time.
Flattening your recycling means you can fit more into a recycling bin, and authorities can put more into their collection trucks – making the whole process more efficient and environmentally friendly.
Widely Recycled – Rinse, Lid On
This symbol is a combination of the previous two. For this type of packaging, it is essential consumers rinse out the packaging so that it is clean, before securing the lid back on.
You’ll often find ‘Rinse, Lid On’ on glass jars and bottles. Whilst it is not mandatory you put the lid back on your jar or bottle, it is the only way of recycling lids with a diameter of less than 4 cm, so many manufacturers include this suggestion.
Lids with a diameter of less than 4 cm are too small to be processed within sorting facilities, so will fail to be recycled.
Recycle with Bags at Large Supermarkets | Don’t Recycle at Home
.An OPRL which features ‘Recycle with Bags at Large Supermarkets’ or ‘Don’t Recycle at Home’ means the item is recyclable – but not via home recycling. These items require a more specialised recycling process, and can be taken to collection points at local supermarkets.
This symbol can be seen on bread bags, crisp packets, plastic bags and more.
Consumers can use a Recycling Locator to find the nearest supermarket which recycles this type of packaging.
Recycle – Bottle Cap On | Don’t Recycle – Remove Sleeve
Some packages may have several packaging recycling symbols on them, directing consumers on how to deal with several materials on one item which have differing recycling requirements.
An example of this would be a plastic bottle which has a small plastic cap and a plastic film sleeve. For this item, the bottle may be flattened, the bottle cap secured on, and the plastic film sleeve (which is not yet widely recycled) removed. Keeping the plastic film sleeve on may cause the bottle to be disposed of, rather than recycled.
Check Locally
This packaging type may or may not be collected by local authority for recycling; therefore, it is recommended that consumers check local policies and recycling regulations before they take any action.
The ‘Check Locally’ symbol will appear on packaging types which are only collected by 20-75% of UK local authorities
Not Yet Recycled
The ‘Not Yet Recycled’ label applies to packaging which is collected by less than 20% of UK local authorities. Unlike the ‘Don’t Recycle’ symbol, this material is recyclable, however it is unlikely to be recyclable from home – such as crisp packets. Consumers may have to take Not Yet Recycled packaging to specialised collection points.
By correctly labelling your packaging with the most accurate packaging recycling symbols, and ensuring consumers are receiving clear directions, we can help make a big difference to the amount of packaging sitting in landfill
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