The recycle symbol has been around for more than thirty years and since it’s debut it has taken on a few variations in order to “fine tune” the recycling process. All of these variations of the symbol have their own special meaning and unless you’ve already done your research or you happen to work in the trash business you’re probably unaware of the differences. In order to clarify some of the confusion and mystery, I have prepared a brief description and definition of 5 common recycle symbols that appear on a variety of the products that we use.
Universal Recycle Symbol
Designed in 1970, this internationally recognized symbol is composed of three chasing arrows that form a Mobius strip or unending loop. It can be seen as a solid or outlined form and both represent a material that can be recycled.
Recycle Symbol
This is a circle with the universal recycle symbol in the middle and it can also be seen in solid or outlined form. It means that the product is made from recycled materials. Sometimes a number with a percentage can be found in the center. For example, if 20% is located in the center that means 20% of the product is made from recycled materials. If there is no number in the middle the product is made from 100% recycled materials.
The plastic recycle symbol is triangular-shaped with three arrows and a number in the middle. The number in the middle defines what type of plastic it is. Below is a breakdown of the 7 different numbers that are used for plastic recycling.
1. PET (PETE): Polyethylene Terephthalate – Commonly found in products such as 2-liter soft drink bottles, cooking oil bottles and peanut butter jars. Recycled into fiber for carpet, fleece jackets, food containers, beverage bottles, comforter fill and more.
2. HDPE: High Density Polyethylene – Commonly found in bottles for non-food items such as detergent, shampoo, motor oil, household cleaners. The recycled material from this type of plastic is used to make plastic lumber for outdoor decking, fencing, picnic tables, pipes, floor tiles, flower pots, recycling bins and more.
3. PVC: Polyvinyl Chloride – Commonly found in plastic pipes, outdoor furniture, shrink-wrap, water bottles, salad dressing and liquid detergent containers. Recycled into pipe, decking, fencing, gutters. mud flaps, carpet backing and more.
4. LDPE: Low Density Polyethylene – Commonly found in dry-cleaning bags, produce bags, trash can liners, container lids and toys. Recycled into shipping envelopes, trash cans, landscape timber and more.
5. PP: Polypropylene – Commonly found in containers for yogurt and margarine, medicine bottles and bottle tops. Recycled into automobile battery cases, oil funnels, bicycle racks, storage bins and more.
6. PS: Polystyrene – Commonly found in “Styrofoam peanuts,” cups, plastic tableware, meat trays and take-out food clamshell containers. Recycled into thermometers, rulers, cassette casings, eggshell cartons and more.
7. OTHER: Any plastic other than the named #1 – #6, Commonly found in certain kinds of food containers such as, Tupperware and Nalgene bottles. Recycled into bottles and plastic lumber applications.
Corrugated Recyclables
This is a black box with an encircling arrow and can vary depending on the region. The corrugated symbol does not indicate that the container is made from recycled materials, but it signifies that the product should be recycled at the end of it’s life cycle.
100% Recycled Paperboard
Created in 1995, this symbol is displayed on a wide range of products and packaging made from 100% recycled paperboard. Recycled paperboard is made from recovered paper that has been diverted from the solid waste stream and then collected, separated, cleaned and recycled for use. The symbol can appear as a single solid color or on a dark background with reversed type.
To find out more about Hawaii’s specific guidelines for recycling, visit Opala.org