UK Recycling Symbols Explained
Most symbols on packaging don't tell you which bin to use. Only the OPRL “Recycle” and “Don't Recycle” labels are actual instructions — the rest describe what the material is made of, or just mean the producer paid into a recycling scheme. Here's every UK symbol, what it really means, and where it goes.
Tells you what to do
These are the symbols you can actually act on. The official UK system.
OPRL Recycle
Recycling binThe most reliable symbol. If you see this, it goes in your recycling bin.
OPRL Don't Recycle
General wasteThis can't go in your recycling bin. General waste.
Recycle at Supermarket Collection Points
Supermarket returnCan't go in your home bin — take it to a supermarket collection point.
Separate to Recycle
Recycling binPull apart the different materials and recycle each one separately.
Doesn't tell you what you think
The most misunderstood symbols in UK recycling. Worth knowing what they actually mean.
Möbius Loop
Check locally →Means it CAN be recycled somewhere — but not necessarily by your council.
Green Dot
Not a bin instructionDoes NOT mean recyclable. The manufacturer paid into a European recycling scheme. That's it.
Tidyman
Not a bin instructionJust means "don't litter." It's not a recycling instruction.
Made from Recycled Material
Not a bin instructionTells you what it's MADE from, not whether you can recycle it. Look for an OPRL label.
Tells you what it's made of
These identify the material, not whether you can recycle it. But they're still useful.
Plastic Resin Codes (1–7)
Check locally →The number tells recycling facilities what type of plastic it is — not whether you can recycle it.
Glass
Recycling binWidely recycled. Use your kerbside glass collection or a bottle bank.
Aluminium
Recycling binWidely recycled. Crush if you can.
Steel
Recycling binWidely recycled. Rinse food cans before recycling.
Specialist symbols
For items that need special handling — not your regular bins.
WEEE — Crossed-Out Wheelie Bin
Recycling centreNever put this in any home bin. Take to a recycling centre or return to the retailer.
Compostable (Seedling / OK Compost)
Check locally →Industrially compostable — usually can't go in your home compost or recycling bin.
FSC (Forest Stewardship Council)
Not a bin instructionAbout where the paper comes from, not which bin it goes in.
Material codes on your packaging
These codes identify what the packaging is made of. They're useful for figuring out which bin when there's no OPRL label.
Paper & Cardboard (PAP 20–22)
Recycling binPaper and cardboard — widely recycled. Flatten and put in your recycling bin.
Composite Paper (C/PAP 81–84)
Check locally →Composite cartons (juice, milk, soup) — check your council. Not all collect them.
Metal Codes (ALU 41 / FE 40)
Recycling binAluminium (41) and steel (40) — both widely recycled.
Glass Codes (GL 70–72)
Recycling binGlass bottles and jars — widely recycled. GL 70 = clear, 71 = green, 72 = brown.
Material code quick reference
The codes printed on packaging (often beside the triangle) tell you what it's made of. Here's where each one usually goes in the UK.
| Code | Material | Usual bin |
|---|---|---|
| PAP 20 | Corrugated cardboard | Recycling |
| PAP 21 | Cardboard (cereal, shoe boxes) | Recycling |
| PAP 22 | Paper | Recycling |
| C/PAP 81 | Paper + plastic | Check council |
| C/PAP 84 | Carton (paper, plastic, foil) | Check council |
| GL 70 | Clear glass | Recycling |
| GL 71 | Green glass | Recycling |
| GL 72 | Brown glass | Recycling |
| ALU 41 | Aluminium (cans, foil) | Recycling |
| FE 40 | Steel (food cans, aerosols) | Recycling |
| 1 PET | Drinks bottles, trays | Recycling |
| 2 HDPE | Milk, cleaning bottles | Recycling |
| 4 LDPE | Carrier, bread bags | Supermarket |
| 5 PP | Tubs, yoghurt pots | Recycling |
| 6 PS | Polystyrene, foam | General waste |
“Check council” items vary by area — look yours up.
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