Global Recycling Symbols Guide

Latest update: May 11, 2026

Use case: Build a fast, practical interpretation workflow you can apply at home, office, and public bins.

Recycling symbols look simple, but each icon means different things in different regions. This guide helps you sort accurately, avoid contamination, and prioritize reduction before recycling.

Core plastic resin codes

Major label systems covered

1 Goal

Lower contamination rate

Plastic Resin Codes #1-#7

Resin codes identify plastic type, not guaranteed local recyclability. Always pair code reading with municipal collection rules.

#1 PET

Common in beverage bottles. Often accepted curbside if rinsed and caps handled per local rule.

Risk: sticky residue from sugary drinks.

#2 HDPE

Milk jugs, detergent bottles, shampoo containers. High recycling value in many markets.

Tip: flatten to save bin volume where accepted.

#3 PVC

Pipes, blister packs, some wraps. Generally low acceptance in household recycling streams.

Safer route: specialized take-back where available.

#4 LDPE

Film plastics like shopping bags and squeezable packaging. Usually not curbside-recyclable.

Use store drop-off systems for clean, dry film.

#5 PP

Yogurt cups, takeaway containers, caps. Acceptance is growing but still location-specific.

Keep lids attached only if your local rule says so.

#6 PS

Foam and rigid polystyrene. Frequently rejected due to contamination and transport economics.

Priority: avoid and switch to reusable foodware.

#7 Other

Mixed plastics (including polycarbonate, bioplastics, multilayer formats). Requires careful interpretation.

Never assume compostable or recyclable without explicit local acceptance.

Regional Label Differences

Key systems to recognize

Mobius loop: generic recycling icon; does not always mean accepted locally.
How2Recycle (US): package-specific disposal guidance (widely recyclable/store drop-off/not yet recyclable).
OPRL (UK): Recycle / Don't Recycle labels based on national infrastructure.
Triman (France): mandatory sorting instruction with Info-Tri details.
Australasian Recycling Label: disposal instructions for each package component.

Fast sorting workflow

1. Check local rule first, then interpret symbol.
2. Empty, rinse, dry items to reduce contamination.
3. Separate mixed materials where possible (lid, pump, sleeve).
4. Handle film separately via drop-off, not curbside.
5. When in doubt, check city app/website; avoid wish-cycling.