Explanation of the Recycle Symbol

The recycling logo has become a very recognizable symbol. While you may recognize the standard three arrows, it̵7;s important to know its exact meaning based on its depiction.

History

• The original recycling logo appeared in 1970. It was created by Gary Anderson as part of a design contest sponsored by the Container Corporation of America.

The Basic Logo

• The basic recycling logo is referred to as the ̶0;three chasing arrows̶1; representing a Mobius loop. Each arrow represents a step in the recycling process: collection, manufacturing, and purchase of recycled materials hence closing the loop.

Recyclable

• The three arrows either printed in solid black or with a black outline indicate the product on which they appear can be recycled. Occasionally the phrase ̶0;This product can be recycled̶1; will also appear.

Plastic Recycling Logo

• Recyclable plastics include numerals inside the three arrows that indicate the type of plastic the product contains. Those with designations of ̶0;1̶1; and ̶0;2̶1; are the most readily recycled.

Recycled Materials

• When a product has been made with recycled material, the logo is represented differently. The three chasing arrows will be white inside a solid black circle. In some instances, the percentage of recycled material contained in the product will be depicted in the center of the arrows. For example, ̶0;20%̶1; appearing inside the logo means that 20 percent of the package was made with recycled material. The actual percentage of post-consumer waste may also be printed on the label.