A survey conducted by Which? found that nearly 50% of respondents did not know what the meanings were for recycling symbols found on food and drink products in the UK. The most shocking was half of the people involved in the survey thought that The Green Dot symbol meant the product is recyclable when it actually means the manufacturer has paid into a scheme that supports recyclable packaging.
Nikki Stopford, who is the director of research and publishing at Which? states, “We know that people want to reduce the waste that goes to landfill and recycle more but are often left baffled by a confusing array of symbols and inconsistent labelling. We want the government and manufacturers to act now to bring about clear, simple and consistent labelling and to make that compulsory to help consumers know what can be recycled and how to recycle it.”
Test your knowledge with the most popular and recognisable recycling symbols down below. If you’re a self-confessed recycling symbol novice not to worry! Educate yourself with the symbols explained below, and make sure to put your skills to the test when recycling your household waste this week.
The Green Dot = this symbol means the packaging manufacturer has paid into a scheme that supports recyclable packaging.
Mobius Loop = this symbol indicates that the object is capable of being recycled.
Glass = this symbol means you can recycle the glass container.
Recyclable aluminium = this symbol means the item is made from recyclable aluminium.
Tidyman = this symbol is from Keep Britain Tidy and is a reminder to not litter the product.
Waste electricals = this symbol means do not place the electrical item in your general waste bin.
Paper, card and wood = this symbol from the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) and identifies wood-based products from forests certified by the FSC.
Widely Recycled = this symbol means the packaging is collected by 75% of local authorities across the UK.
Widely Recycled – Rinse = this symbol means you should rise the packaging so food residue doesn’t contaminate other materials.
Widely Recycled – Rinse, Lid On = this symbol means you should rinse the packaging but keep the lid on when you recycle the product.
