Which types of packaging can be recycled?

Which types of packaging can be recycled?

Many different types of packaging can be recycled and recycling symbols and packaging labels on the side of our everyday items help to identify whether the packaging is likely to be collected for recycling or if you can take it to your local recycling centre.

We should look out for the on-pack recycling label or OPRL. These labels appear on all sorts of packaging from – plastic toiletries, bread bags, cans and milk bottles. These labels are based on what the majority collect and do not collect and are applied to packaging that is collected by 75% or more of local authorities across the country. Therefore, it’s important to remember not all packaging will have a recycled label but this doesn’t mean you can’t recycle it.

To help you understand all of the symbols you might see, here’s our guide below:

Symbol	What does this mean?
	This symbol is the recycle mark – this is a call for action. Please try and recycle whenever possible.
	These are the new packaging symbols that appear on some packaging.   Widely recycled means – 65% of people have access to recycling facilities for these items   Check locally means – 15% – 65% of people have access to recycling facilities for these items   Not recycled means – less than 15% of people have access to recycling facilities for these items
	This symbol identifies the type of plastic used in the packaging. PET bottles are recycled by the majority of local authorities.
	This symbol means that the product is made from steel. All local authorities collect steel cans for recycling. Other steel or metal items can be taken to your household recycling centre.
	This symbol is the National Association of Paper Merchants mark. To be given this symbol, paper or board must be made from a minimum of 75% genuine waste paper and no part must contain mill produced waste fibre.
	This symbol is the green dot. It does not necessarily mean that the packaging is recyclable, will be recycled or has been recycled. It is a symbol used on packaging in some European countries and signifies that the producer has made a financial contribution towards the recovery and recycling of packaging in Europe.
	This symbol asks you to recycle your glass container. Using your glass household waste recycling collection or recycled in coloured specific bottle banks.
	This is the mobius loop symbol. This indicates that an object is capable of being recycled, not that the object has been recycled or will be accepted in all recycling collection systems.
	This is the mobius loop symbol with a percentage figure in the middle. This explains what percentage of the packaging contains recycled material.
	This is the Forest Stewardship Council logo. This symbol helps to identify wood-based products from well managed forest independently certified in accordance with the rules of the FSC.
	This symbol means that the product is made from recycled aluminium. This packaging should be recycled through your household waste recycling collection or in specific collection banks at your local recycling centre.
	This is the Keep Britain Tidy symbol and asks you not to litter. It doesn’t relate to recycling but it’s important to remember to dispose of your packaging in the most appropriate manner.
Source Recycle Now