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Photo: Image Courtesy of Getty ImagesWhen did helping out Mother Earth turn into a puzzle? Even the Environmental Protection Agency acknowledges that recycling symbols can be confusing—and worse, they often cause people to mistakenly think certain plastics can go straight into the recycling bin, when in fact, it's more complicated than that.
The most important step: Learn your local recycling guidelines. According to the Sustainable Packaging Coalition's 2020-2021 report, 91% of U.S. residents have curbside or drop-off recycling services, but not all areas accept every material type. Your city's website should provide details on what can be recycled and where—whether in your curbside bin, a recycling center, or other drop-off spots. Then, it's up to you to understand which items belong where based on the symbol on the packaging.
This guide will walk you through the entire set of chasing-arrows symbols so you can properly dispose of your waste.
1. Recycling Icon
This is the universal symbol for recycling, known as the Mobius Loop. It was designed in 1970 by University of Southern California student Gary Anderson to commemorate the first Earth Day. Today, it's widely recognized but remains ambiguous. When you spot it on a package, according to the Green Guides by the Federal Trade Commission, it generally means that the item (1) is accepted by most recycling programs and (2) is made entirely from recycled materials. If a percentage is included, it shows the proportion of the product made from recycled materials.
2. Paper and Cardboard
Photo: Ruslan Maiborodin/Getty ImagesPaper and cardboard items may have a PAP code on their packaging, such as 20 (for corrugated cardboard), 21 (for non-corrugated paperboard, like cereal boxes), or 22 (for regular paper, like letters).
Certain cities require you to sort corrugated cardboard separately from other paper types, while others permit mixing them together.
Remember, paper products coated in plastic (like to-go coffee cups, which are lined with polypropylene) or decorated with glitter and other adornments (like some gift wrap, cards, and gift bags) cannot be recycled and must be thrown away. The good news: Despite their glossy appearance, most magazines are coated with a clay-based material, not plastic, so they are recyclable.
3. Glass
Photo: Ahmad Agung/Getty ImagesYou might see a stamp like this on your glass container, usually with the number 70 (indicating it's made of mixed glass), 71 (for clear glass), or 72 (for green glass).
According to the EPA, most curbside recycling programs accept mixed glass types, which are then sorted at the recycling facility. However, always check your local guidelines. Also, make sure your containers are free of any food or beverage residue, and do not recycle broken glass, as the shards can pose a danger to workers at the facility.
4. Metal
Photo: Lentochka/Getty ImagesAluminum, identified by the number 41 and the code ALU, is highly recyclable. It's most commonly found in beverage cans, disposable containers, and, of course, aluminum foil.
Steel products that are recyclable will carry the number 40 and the code FE. Once again, be sure to check your local municipality's website for guidelines on how steel and other metals should be handled.
Good to know: Like glass, metal is infinitely recyclable. This means it can be recycled again and again without losing quality. Therefore, metal and glass containers are much more sustainable than plastic alternatives.
5. Plastic
Photo: LimeArt/Getty ImagesPlastic recycling can be quite confusing, and it's essential to focus on the small number inside the recycling triangle, which indicates the type of plastic. Here's an overview:
- 1 (PET or PETE): Polyethylene terephthalate. This is a clear plastic commonly used for single-use items such as water and soda bottles and takeout containers.
- 2 (HDPE): High-density polyethylene. A sturdy, non-transparent plastic used for milk jugs, shampoo bottles, cleaning product containers, and food packaging.
- 3 (PVC): Polyvinyl chloride. This plastic is found in a wide range of products, including children's toys, bottles, windows, credit cards, and more.
- 4 (LDPE): Low-density polyethylene. A soft, flexible plastic used for items like shopping bags, bread bags, zip-top bags, and cling film. It can jam recycling machines, which is why it's often not accepted in curbside programs.
- 5 (PP): Polypropylene. This type of plastic is used for products like straws, to-go coffee cup liners, and some containers.
- 6 (PS): Polystyrene. Commonly known as styrofoam, this plastic is used for items like containers and packing peanuts.
- 7 (Other): Miscellaneous plastics that don’t fall into the above categories, such as bisphenol A (BPA), polycarbonate, and bio-based plastics.
The higher the number, the harder it is to recycle the plastic. Most curbside recycling programs accept plastics marked with 1 and 2, but others might require special drop-off points (like grocery stores for LDPE bags)—if they're recyclable at all. Always check your local municipality's website for the guidelines.
A helpful tip: To reduce your environmental impact, try steering clear of plastic, particularly single-use packaging. Approximately 99% of all plastics are derived from fossil fuels, which are widely recognized as a key contributor to the climate crisis. Furthermore, due to the challenges involved in recycling plastic, only 9% of the plastic produced globally is actually repurposed into new products. When shopping, consider opting for glass or metal bottles whenever possible.
