Recycling Symbols Explained

Over the coming months you will be able to check product packaging for simple information about whether it can be recycled or not. Leading retailers including Marks & Spencer, Asda, Tesco, Waitrose, Co-op and Sainsburys have joined forces to introduce a labelling system which will mean that you can see, at a glance, which packaging components you can recycle by looking at the symbols printed on some product ranges. Many household brands will be using the new labelling system across their ranges as well.

The scheme makes significant strides towards providing clearer information to the public, clarifying what can and cannot be recycled currently. Product ranges included in the scheme will feature one or more of three standard symbols showing whether each component of its packaging is 'widely recycled', 'not currently recycled' or 'only recycled in some areas', where the instruction is to 'check local recycling'

For further information on recycling symbols go to the Recycle Now website.