J&B Recycling Knowledge

Recycling symbols and product labels can be really confusing, so we have developed this handy FREE downloadable guide to recycling symbols. One of the most common reasons people put the wrong item in their kerbside recycling bin is due to the confusing labels on packaging. Many labels seem to indicate that an item is recyclable in your home recycling bin, but very few (if any) actually confirm that it can definitely be recycled in your bin at home. To help you navigate this confusion, we’ve created a comprehensive guide to recycling symbols that explains what the most common symbols actually mean.

Download Your Free Guide to Recycling Symbols

We understand how perplexing recycling symbols can be. That’s why we’re offering a FREE downloadable guide to help you decode these labels. This guide will clarify which items are recyclable and where they should be disposed of, ensuring you make the right decisions when it comes to recycling.

>> Click here to download and print the guide.

Common Recycling Symbols That Might Mislead You

First up are the recycling symbols that often catch people out! Some of these symbols do indicate that an item is recyclable, but this doesn’t necessarily mean it can be placed in your home recycling bin. Items marked with these symbols may need to be taken to a Household Waste Recycling Centre (your local tip) or sent to a specialist recycling scheme. Understanding these symbols is crucial for reducing contamination in kerbside recycling, which ultimately improves the recycling process and benefits the environment.

International Resin Identification Coding System

Next up is the International Resin Identification Coding System. These symbols often catch people out!! None of these symbols indicate that an item can be recycled. They simply identify which type of plastic resin the product is made of.

Why Understanding Recycling Symbols Matters

As waste management specialists, we know that recycling symbols on products can be unclear and confusing. However, gaining a greater understanding of these symbols can significantly reduce the contamination levels we see in kerbside recycling bins. This not only improves the efficiency of the recycling process but also contributes to better environmental outcomes.

Progress in Recycling Labelling

Some manufacturers are improving their labelling to more clearly indicate which elements of their packaging can be recycled in your home recycling bin. However, there is still much work to be done. The variation in what local authorities accept for recycling makes consistent labelling challenging.

To address this, the UK government has introduced the Simpler Recycling initiative, which aims to standardise recycling labels across the country. This initiative is designed to make it easier for consumers to understand what can and cannot be recycled, reducing confusion and helping to improve recycling rates. Through this programme, manufacturers will be encouraged to adopt clearer and more consistent labelling that aligns with the guidelines provided by local authorities.

While this initiative is a significant step forward, the best way to ensure you are recycling correctly is still to check your local authority’s website, as specific recycling rules can vary by region.

About J&B Recycling

J&B Recycling has been a leader in waste management in the North of England since 1998. Our commercial collection services operate from the Scottish Borders down to Hull and North Yorkshire. Our main areas for collecting and processing commercial waste include Teesside (Darlington, Hartlepool, Middlesbrough, Stockton), Durham, Gateshead, Newcastle, Sunderland, North Tyneside and Northumberland. Get in touch for more information and to request a quote.