What do the Recycling Symbols Mean

The following symbols indicate that the product is suitable for recycling.

Recycle Now
Recycle Now logo to encourage recycling
Three Reycyle-Now Packaging Logos
Indicating which parts of the packaging can be recycled. Beginning to appear on packaging from major UK supermarkets.

Mobius Loop
This item can be recycled where correct facilities exist.
Mobius loop with x%
This item contains x% of recycled material and can be recycled where correct facilities exist.
The Crossed Out Wheelie Bin with Bar
Shows that a product can be recycled separately from other household waste under the WEEE directive.
The Crossed Out Wheelie Bin Symbol
Similar to the WEEE recycling symbol, but without a bar at the bottom. This symbol is used to support the Battery Directive which became part of UK law in 2008.

The RESY System
This symbol guarantees that packaging with this symbol is recyclable and will be accepted by cardboard recyclers
Glass recycle
Please put this recyclable glass container in a bottle bank.
Aluminium
This product (usually a drinks can) is made from recyclable aluminium.
Steel
Recyclable steel, can be placed in a steel recycling facility.
Compostable
Shows that the material is compostable
United Kingdom Cartridge Recycling Association
This symbol indicates that certain environmental criteria for toner cartridge recycling have been met.

Tetra Pak
Found on TetraPak cartons that can be recycled either with your main recycling collections or at local authority recycling banks. Check your local authority for information.
Elopak logo
Found on Elopak cartons that can be recycled either kerbside or at local authority recycling banks. Check your local authority for information.
SIG Combibloc
Found on beverage cartons that can be recycled either kerbside or at local authority recycling banks. Check your local authority for information.

CLICK HERE for Symbols on plastics



These logos are commonly found but do not necessarily mean that the product can be recycled
Tidyman
Do not litter. A familiar addition to the packaging of many everyday items, this symbol simply suggests that the bearer should dispose of this carefully and thoughtfully.
NAPM Approved
Signifies that the product is manufactured from 100% recycled paper
FSC Logo
Made from wood from sustainable forests.
EU Ecolabel
An EU-wide award for non-food products that minimise impacts on the environment - detergents that are less harmful to rivers, lakes and oceans, for example.
Green Dot
The Green Dot logo can be misleading. In participating countries the Green Dot indicates that the manufacturer is funding a recycling program for products with this label. The UK is not a participating country.
Use-by for Cosmetics
This is not a recycling symbol but is commonly found on cosmetics. The number indicates the life of the product once opened in months "m" or years "y".