Common recycling symbols
Here are some common recycling symbols that are important to know.
Recycle
The Mobius Loop symbol tells you an item can be recycled.
Do Not Recycle
The symbol for “do not recycle,” this label is applied to packaging that is unable to be sorted, processed and/or recycled into new items.
Upcycle
This symbolizes that an existing item is being reused and/or made better.
Glass
This symbol indicates a glass container that is recyclable. Glass may be picked up by some curbside recycling programs, but it depends on your local recycling regulations. If it’s not part of your program, you can look for a local drop-off location.
Tidyman
As a symbol, the Tidyman reminds people to refrain from littering and dispose of items correctly.
How to recycle properly
Recycling is a process that can save money and energy, and reduce waste. However, it’s crucial to do it right. “Most all plastics with recycling numbers can be recycled, but often they are not, due to difficulty in sorting the used items into their common material type,” Scherzer adds. Remember to always look for the recycling symbol and resin identification code on your used plastic, and when in doubt, consult your local recycling guidelines for more information using the Recycling Facility Locator tool.
Now that you know all about recycling symbols, make sure to recycle properly, which includes knowing what to do with bottle caps and old books and taking the extra step to upcycle, including upcycling old clothes (and other items that can be upcycled).