The Mobius Loop

If you see any variation of this symbol, it is recyclable! There is a lot more to recycling than this symbol, but it will help you answer the basic question if an item is recyclable. Find information on dozens of more symbols at the bottom of the page.

The Mobius Loop indicates that a product can be recycled, but this does not mean the product was produced from recycled materials.

Is it recyclable?

Click an object to see if it's recyclable or not

This is recyclable

Plastic bottles

This is Not recyclable

Chip bags

This is recyclable

Aluminum cans

This is Not recyclable

Plastic grocery bags

This is recyclable

Tin cans

This is Not recyclable

Coffee cups

This is recyclable

Glass bottles and jars

This is Not recyclable

Styrofoam

This is recyclable

Cardboard boxes

Recycling acceptance may vary across different localities.

How to recycle common items

Plastic bottles

Ensure the bottle is empty and clean/rinsed. Put the cap back on the bottle and simply place it in your recycling bin. There is no need to crush the bottle or remove any plastic labeling that may exist.

Food cans

Rinse out the can to remove any food residue. Completely remove the lid and place it back inside the can after cleaning. Carefully pinch the top closed to prevent the lid from escaping the can and help prevent injury from sharp edges.

Beverage cans

Simply place these aluminum cans in the recycling bin. There is no need to crush them or remove the pop tabs.

Glass

Beverage bottles can be recycled without any prep. Food storage containers should be rinsed free of food and the lid should be recycled separately from the glass. Labels do not need to be removed.

Cardboard

Ensure the cardboard is free of any Styrofoam or packing peanuts (these go in the trash) and flatten the cardboard to make room in your recycling bin. Do not worry about removing tape, staples, or labels.

How2Recycle labels

Transforming organizational waste management

How2Recycle provides labels on packaging that communicate easy-to-understand recycling instructions to the public. These labels can be found on packaging for many major manufacturers in North America. Data Company One Inc recommends visiting How2Recycle to learn more about these labels to grow your recycling knowledge.

How2Recycle

Common recyclable materials

Plastic

Most of the plastic packaging for consumer goods is considered safe to recycle. The resin identification code (1-7) indicates the type of plastic used. PET 1, HDPE 2, and PP 5 are generally accepted for recycling. PVC 3, LDPE 4, PS 6, and Other 7 are typically harder to recycle, and best to check for extra labeling on the packaging or with your local recycling center.

Glass

Glass is infinitely recyclable but not every community allows glass recycling for curbside pickup. Check with your local guidelines to ensure your community permits glass recycling. If glass is not permitted, check for any nearby collection centers that can recycle the glass instead.

Metal

Aluminum cans, steel cans, and tin cans are the most recycled metal products. Ensure to place lids inside of the can before recycling. Rinse off any liquid or food residue from cans as failing to do so will make the item unrecyclable.

Paper

Newspapers, magazines, office paper, and cardboard are all recyclable. Paper products should be uncoated and residue free before recycling at home.

Common non-recyclable items

Plastic bags

Most communities do not accept plastic bags for recycling. They can damage and jam the processing equipment. Many grocery stores have a dedicated drop-off bin for taking plastic bags instead.

Multi-layer items

Each material type has a different recycling process. Items that are made from multiple materials are non-recyclable unless the materials can be taken apart at home.

Coated paper products

Paper and cardboard that are coated with a substance (usually plastic) to stop contents from leaking are typically not recyclable.

Unrinsed containers

Any plastic, metal, or glass containers that have not been rinsed of their contents should not be recycled. They can contaminate other items and make large bunches of recycled material unrecyclable.

Pizza boxes

Cardboard pizza boxes are not recyclable if they contain grease stains. Tearing off the stained pieces and placing those in the trash will allow you to recycle the stain-free parts.

Styrofoam

Styrofoam is very rarely recycled, and it’s recommended to place it in normal trash collection.

Electronics

Electronics should be taken to a special facility and not placed in either home recycling or trash.

Local recycling guidelines

We advise you to check your community recycling guidelines for more information and to ensure what items can and cannot be recycled. Keep America Beautiful is a great resource to find your local guidelines, curbside pickup schedule, and drop-off recycling center locations. Earth 911 allows you to input a specific typically non-recyclable item and find a location nearby that will accept it. Earth 911 also has Q&A sections for a large range of products and materials.

Identification symbols used in recycling

Plastic Resin

The plastic resin identification code/symbol is typically found on the bottom or near the bottom of the packaging. These do not automatically mean recyclability but instead indicate the type of plastic used for the item.

European Union

These symbols are mandatory on all goods sold in the European Union. These symbols may also be found in the United States, so it is important to know them to have a comprehensive knowledge of recycling symbols. This table contains the more frequently seen symbols.

Other symbols

You may also find any of the below symbols on goods you purchase. They provide additional context and guidance on the recycability of your product.

Recycling Guide

The Mobius Loop

Is it recyclable?

How to recycle common items

How2Recycle labels

Common recyclable materials

Common non-recyclable items

Local recycling guidelines

Identification symbols used in recycling

Plastic Resin

European Union

Other symbols

Total Scans: ......

Total CO2 Footprint: .......

Total CO2 Avoidance: ........

Total Plastic: ........

Total Metal: ........

Total Paper: ...........

Total Glass: ...........

Total Scans: ......

Total CO2 Footprint: .......

Total CO2 Avoidance: ........

Total Plastic: ........

Total Metal: ........

Total Paper: ...........

Total Glass: ...........

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