Packaging Symbols explained

Whenever you're ready to throw packaging out, take a look at the label and see if it can be recycled
Most households in Wales have a kerbside recycling collection, find out what you can recycle in your area first.
Numerous labels appear on packaging to advise consumers and promote environmental claims.
To help you understand all the symbols you might see, take a look at the video and guide below.
General
The On Pack Recycling Labelling scheme was launched in response to requests from shoppers for more standardised and easy to understand advice on what products can be recycled.
The ‘Recycle Now’ icon is designed to be the recognised symbol for recycling and provides advice on how an item of packaging might be recycled.
Three-part on-pack recycling label identifying which parts of the packaging are recyclable
“Check locally” means 20% - 75% of people have access to recycling facilities for these items.
“Not recycled” means less than 20% of people have access to recycling facilities for these items.
There is also a symbol for less widely recyclable materials e.g. Tetra Paks and metal foil packaging. It advises consumers to check whether the material is collected by their local council, either at the kerbside or from local household recycling centres.
Mobius Loop
Mobius loop with percentage
Plastics
There are six different types of plastic polymer commonly used to make packaging. The symbol used to identify the type of polymer is a triangle with a number inside it and some letters underneath. PET and HDPE bottles are one of the most commonly used plastics in packaging and are recycled by the majority of local authorities.
Unfortunately the triangle does not mean that the packaging can necessarily be recycled.
Metals
This symbol means the packaging is made from aluminium.
This symbol means the packaging is made from steel.
Glass
Compostable
It is therefore important that ONLY compostable bags which include the following symbol are used in the caddies.
Paper
Wood
Electrical and electronic equipment
The Green Dot does NOT necessarily mean that the packaging can be recycled. It is a symbol used on packaging in many European countries and signifies that the producer has made a contribution towards the recycling of packaging.
Tidyman
Still confused?
If there is a symbol or logo you don't understand, please contact us.