What the packaging symbols really mean
The symbols
Symbols on packaging can be confusing. They do not always indicate whether the item can go in your kerbside recycling bin.
It’s more important to focus on what your council can accept for recycling, so check what your council says.
Here’s what the symbols really mean.
Recycling symbol (or Mobius Loop)
The product can be recycled or it was made from recycled materials.
Which bin?
Plastics identification code (or resin code)
This is not a recycling symbol. The code shows the type of plastic that the product is made of.
Australasian Recycling Label (ARL)
A product may come in several packaging parts. This labelling system tells you what to do with each part.
Which bin?
Solid recycling symbol: Recycling bin
Transparent recycling symbol: This means ‘conditionally recyclable’. To recycle, follow the directions given.
Bin symbol: Rubbish bin
Home compostable
The product can be composted at home.
Which bin?
Check your council’s recycling advice or add it to your home compost.
Industrially compostable
The product must be composted at an industrial centre. Compostable plastics can’t go in your recycling bin.
Which bin?
Green waste bin (FOGO or food, garden and organic waste bin)
If you don’t have a green waste bin, put in your rubbish bin.
Bioplastics, landfill biodegradable, oxo-degradable (or D2W) plastics and degradable plastics
Biodegradable and degradable packaging contain chemicals to help them break down into smaller pieces of plastic. These can end up in the environment and harm wildlife.
Which bin?
Rubbish bin
Tidyman
This is not a recycling symbol. It’s to remind us to dispose our items in the rubbish bin to avoid littering.
Which bin?
Rubbish bin
Make sure the right items go into the right bin
Make sure only things that can be recycled (recyclables) go into the recycling bin. When items that cannot be recycled are put in the wrong bin, this is called contamination. Wipe or rinse any remaining food or liquids as this can also be contamination.
Contamination can be dangerous for the facility workers and can damage recycling equipment. They can also damage recyclables, making them hard to re-sell and causing them to end up in landfill.
Each council recycles differently
A recycling symbol shows that the item can be recycled. It does not guarantee that your council can accept it for recycling. Each council recycles differently according to their contracts with recycling facilities.
It’s more important to focus on what your council can accept. The easiest way to know is, check your council's waste and recycling advice.
Recycling can start when you’re shopping
Knowing what the symbols mean can help us to buy better.
Where you can:
- avoid pre-packaged products
- choose items that come in packaging that can be recycled in your council.
Recycling is getting better
Work has begun to improve the recycling system and recyclability of packaging in Victoria.
Read about transforming recycling in Victoria.
