household
In this section we've included some hints and tips on how to manage your household rubbish. You can find out how to minimise the effect that you have on the environment and how to make your household more environmentally friendly.
introduction
why do we recycle?
recycling tips
labels on packaging
packaging labels
international labels
green articles
the 'man drawer'
Greening Up
green ways to save
Christmas - recycled craft
recycled products
top 10 ways to...
a green festival
a green holiday
make recycling fun
reuse plastic bags
green events
Environment Day 10
eco design award
Real Nappy Week
Love Parks Week
energy saving tips
Energy Saving Tips
Energy Saving Games
resources
downloads
faqs
videos
Easter packaging
more waste stats
UK recycling stats
recycling facts
electrical facts
plastic facts
aluminium facts
packaging facts
battery facts
get our e-newsletter
recycle-more news
Lancs Recycling Week
battery recycling
Wash, Squash, Recycle
100s Pledge to Recycle
'Mucky Paws'
'Recycle Guide'
recycling batteries
spud batteries
be green this Easter
text your waste away

packaging labels

share recycle-more.co.uk

Packaging symbols can be confusing. This page will help you to understand the meaning behind different packaging labels that are around in the UK.

Did you know that the Green Dotis NOT a recycling symbol. It is actually a trademark. Click here for more information on the Green Dot.

Use the links below for examples of common labels found on packaging:

batteries       electronics       energy      glass      metals

paper      plastics        wood       general labels

batteries


This recycling symbol is very similar to the electrical items recycling symbol, but does not have a bar at the bottom of the crossed out wheeled bin. This symbol is used to support the Battery Directive which became part of UK law in 2008.

battery recycling symbol

electronics

The Crossed Out Wheeled Bin Symbol
Electrical and Electronic Equipment that was produced after 13 August 2005 should display this symbol on the packaging or product. Either send the product to be repaired or use the bank locator to find out where it can be recycled.

Visit the electrical recycling section for more details.

electrical recycling symbol

UK Cartridge Recycling Association
This symbol indicates that certain environmental criteria for toner cartridge recycling have been met.

cartridge recycling

energy


Energy Efficiency
Energy Efficiency is a Government backed initiative run by the Energy Saving Trust aimed at raising awareness of the benefits of energy efficient products and services that will help to save you money, energy and to help the environment.

energy efficiency

glass

There are recycling facilities across the UK for glass. To find your nearest recycling sites please visit the bank locator.

glass recycling symbol

metals
Aluminium
There are recycling facilities across the UK for aluminium. To find your nearest recycling sites please visit the bank locator.
aluminium recycling

Steel
There are recycling facilities across the UK for steel. To find your nearest recycling sites please visit the bank locator.
recycable steel

paper

National Association of Paper Merchants
Paper and board that displays the NAPM Recycled Paper Mark will have been made from a minimum of 50% genuine recovered fibre. For further information please visit: www.napm.org.uk
National Association of Paper Merchants

The RESY System
RESY is a German system which provides a facility for reclaiming and recycling used paper and corrugated board shipping containers.
The RESY System

plastics


The symbols below help consumers to identify different types of plastic. Most of the plastic recycling facilities in the UK will accept PET and HDPE bottles.

recycling symbol for PET PET

Polyethylene Terepthalate

recycling symbol for PP PP

Polypropylene

recycling symbol for HDPE HDPE

High Density Polyethylene

recycling symbol for PS PS

Polystyrene

recycling symbol for PVC

Polyvinyl Chloride

recycling symbol for other plastics Other

All other resins and multi-materials

recycling symbol for LDPE LDPE

Low Density Polyethylene

For more information on plastic recycling, and to download our plastic identification chart, please click here


wood

The Forest Stewardship Council (FSC)
The FSC logo is displayed on products which contain wood from sustainably managed forests. These forests have been independently certified in accordance with the rules of the Forest Stewardship Council A.C.

Please visit the FSC website for further details on sustainable wood and the logo: www.fsc-uk.org

Forest Stewardship Council A.C
FSC Trademark 1996 Forest Stewardship Council A.C.
general labels

Mobius Loop
Packaging that displays the mobius loop is capable of being recycled. However, please be aware that this symbol does not necessarily mean that the material can be recycled in the UK.

mobius loop

Mobius Loop with percentage
If packaging displays this mobius loop it contains x% of recycled material. Use of this symbol is voluntary. Not all packaging with recycled material content carries this symbol.

recycling symbol showing percentage of recycled packaging
On-Pack Recycling Label Scheme
The On-Pack Recycling Label scheme aims to deliver a simpler, UK-wide, consistent, recycling message on both retailer private label and brand-owner packaging to help consumers recycle more material, more often. Launched by the British Retail Consortium (BRC) with support from WRAP, the On-Pack Recycling Label scheme is administered through a subsidiary company called OPRL Ltd.
On-Pack Recycling Label
Tidyman symbol
The Tidyman symbol asks consumers to dispose of rubbish carefully and thoughtfully. Do not litter.

Keep Britain Tidy symbol
'Shoppers Guide' » This guide explains the meaning of some of the logos and labels commonly found on products available in the UK. (Source: Defra, Crown copyright)
  Disclaimer & Privacy Policy  |  Site Credits  |  Sponsors FeedbackHelpSearchSite MapValpak