Recycling symbols and their meanings

Published at

Environmental care and sustainability are very important issues today. In order to contribute effectively to these initiatives, it is necessary to know and understand the symbols of recycling and other symbols related to sustainability.

Recycling symbols are something you have probably seen on many packaging or products that you use on a daily basis. These icons are very important in promoting and encouraging recycling, as they allow consumers to identify which materials can be recycled and how they should be processed. Here are some of the most common recycling symbols and their meanings.

6 recycling symbols

Plastic symbol

This symbol is a triangle formed by three arrows that form a closed loop. In the center of the triangle is a number indicating the type of plastic being recycled. The numbers range from 1 to 7 and each represents a specific type of plastic. If you want to know what each one refers to, see “https://sintac.es/conoce-los-7-tipos-de-plastico-y-sus-caracteristicas.

Paper symbol

This symbol is very simple and represents a small triangle in which the letter “R”, which stands for “recyclable”, is included. This symbol is mainly used on cardboard and paper packaging.

Glass symbol

This symbol is composed of two main parts: The “Tidyman” symbol is an icon used to indicate that an object can be recycled. This symbol shows a human figure depositing a waste in a garbage container, and is used to raise awareness of the importance of waste management and recycling by closing it with a recycling triangle. The triangle represents the cycle of the three “Rs” (Reduce, Reuse and Recycle). This symbol is used on glass packaging and other glass-related products.

Metal symbol

Symbol that recalls the recyclability of metals such as aluminum or steel. It is represented by two circular arrows containing the first letters of the metal in question.

Composting symbol

This symbol is used to indicate that a product is compostable, meaning that it can be broken down into organic matter by bacteria and other organisms. This symbol is composed of a small triangle with the letters “OK” in the center. This logo may vary depending on the territory.

Lid symbol

Although not a symbol of recycling per se, it is a relevant issue in waste management and sustainability. In some containers, such as glass bottles and jars, the cap or lid is made of different materials than the main container. For example, a glass bottle may have a metal lid. Therefore, when separating waste for recycling, it is important to remember to remove the lids from the containers.

In many cases, the closure can be recycled separately from the main container, but this is not always the case. Some recycling programs require lids to be removed and disposed of separately, while others allow the lids to remain on the containers. Therefore, it is important to check local recycling policies and regulations for how to handle lids.

Also, in some cases it is possible to reuse the lids, rather than recycle or discard them. For example, screw-on lids from glass jars can be useful for food storage or use in craft projects.

Although lids are not a symbol of recycling per se, they are an important element in waste management and sustainability. It is important to remember to remove lids from containers before recycling, and to check local policies and regulations for how to properly manage lids. In addition, they can be reused instead of being recycled or discarded, which can further contribute to sustainability.

The most recognized symbols of sustainability:

Recycling Circle

The recycling circle or Möbius loop is one of the most common symbols of recycling. This symbol consists of three arrows forming a sort of continuity or cycle, and symbolizes the recycling process in which waste is turned into new materials. The recycling circle is used on many products and materials to indicate that they are recyclable, which means that they can be collected, processed, and used to create new products. It is important to note that while a product may have the recycling circle symbol, it does not necessarily mean that it can be recycled in all geographic areas, as the availability of recycling programs and waste management capabilities can vary in different cities and countries. It is important to consider local recycling policies and regulations to properly manage recyclable materials.

It is important to note that even if a product has the recycling circle symbol, it does not always mean that it can be recycled in all geographical areas. The availability of recycling programs and the capacity to handle waste can vary in different cities and countries. The recycling circle is an important symbol that indicates a product or material’s ability to be recycled and turned into something new. However, it is important to consider local recycling policies and regulations to properly manage recyclable materials.

Green dot

In Spain, the “Green Dot” is a symbol used to indicate that a company complies with waste and packaging management regulations. The symbol of the Green Dot in Spain is registered and owned by the non-profit organization Ecoembes, which is responsible for managing the recovery and recycling of packaging in Spain. Companies that use the Green Dot symbol on their packaging are required to comply with waste and packaging legislation, and must also contribute financially to waste management through Ecoembes. The funds raised are used to finance waste management and recycling programs in Spain. It is important to note that the use of the Green Dot symbol is voluntary, but companies that use this symbol are obligated to comply with all waste and packaging management laws and regulations in Spain. Additionally, the fact that a company uses the symbol does not guarantee that its products are locally recyclable, as this depends on the infrastructure and recycling programs available in each geographical area.

Other symbols related to sustainability:

In addition to recycling symbols, there are other symbols and elements related to sustainability and care for the environment. Here are some of them:


Symbol of renewable energy: This symbol consists of a circle surrounding a stylized sun. It represents the use of renewable energy sources, such as solar and wind power.


Carbon footprint symbol: This symbol is used to indicate the amount of carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions that result from the consumption of a product or the performance of an activity. It consists of a footprint inside a circle, representing the “footprint” we leave on the planet.


Ecological certification symbol: This symbol may vary depending on the entity that awards the certification, but in general, it is used to indicate that a product or service has met certain environmental and social standards. It may include the name of the certifying entity and a brief description of the certification criteria.


Energy efficiency labels: These labels are used to indicate the level of energy efficiency of a product, such as appliances and lamps. They typically include a scale of letters and colors ranging from A (most efficient) to G (least efficient).


Organic agriculture symbol: This symbol consists of a green circle with the term “organic” and a white leaf included. It is used to identify agricultural products that have been grown without the use of pesticides and other synthetic chemicals.


Medicine recycling symbol, The SIGRE Point: Unfortunately, there is no specific English term for “punto SIGRE” as it is a program specific to Spain. However, the translation for the first part of the sentence would be: “Recycling symbol for medicine”.

The SIGRE Point is a symbol used to indicate that a certain place, usually located in a pharmacy, is a collection point for waste medicines and their packaging for subsequent management and recycling. It is a waste management system that is responsible for the collection, classification and management of medicine packaging and waste produced in private households. The main objective of this system is to minimise the impact of this waste on the environment and guarantee its correct disposal.


Electronic waste symbols:

The symbol used to indicate the recycling of electronic waste is similar to the conventional recycling symbol, but with a drawing of a plug in the center. This symbol is used to indicate that electronic objects should not be disposed of with regular trash, and that they should be recycled at specialized facilities. In some cases, the symbol of the crossed-out trash can is also used to indicate that electronic objects should not be deposited in household waste and should be separated for appropriate management and recycling. It is important to remember that electronic waste contains hazardous materials, such as heavy metals, which can cause serious environmental and health impacts if not properly managed. Therefore, it is important to ensure that electronic objects are recycled in an appropriate and responsible manner at specific electronic waste collection points.

These are just a few examples of symbols and elements related to sustainability and environmental care. There are many others, and it is important to be aware of them in order to make informed decisions and contribute to a more sustainable future.

Featured Articles