October 2019
Recycling Confusion
Just when we think we're doing the right thing by trying to make environmentally responsible purchases we discovered that packaging information can often mislead us.
We take issue with this 'recycle' type logo shown below especially when its so prevalent on product packaging compared to what it actually means.
What do you think this symbol means?
We've asked several people from various age groups what they thought it meant and each gave the same wrong answer.
It does NOT mean a recyclable product.
The symbol is called the 'green dot' and it is one of the most widely used 'recycling' symbols found on packaging and can be applied to a product if a manufacturer makes a financial contribution towards the recovery and recycling of packaging in Europe.
Therefore it does not mean that the product itself is recyclable.
We think this is extremely misleading for consumers and this goes some way to explain why we frequently put the wrong items in the wrong bins and why the contents quality of our recycling bins is poor.
Inspect your products and you'll see it's used widely and the official EU recycling symbols are less obvious on packaging.
We picked out these 5 well known products from our shopping to explore the labels to see which waste bin they go into.
Which bin would you put each into?
Liquid Detergents
The Green Dot logo is clear on both the clothes and dish washing bottles but there's no obvious information to say put it all in the recycling bin.
The embossed EU logo is difficult to find on its underside.
Toothpaste Tube
The Green Dot logo is here but no indication to say that the cap can go into the recycling bin and the tube is heading to landfill.
Crisp Tube
Despite first impressions the cardboard with metal base appears recyclable is actually not since it's lined with non recyclable plastic.
The Green Dot logo is shown but the lid is the only item for the recycling bin even though the embossed symbol is difficult to find.
Sweet Wrapper
The Green Dot logo is shown but the wrapper is non recyclable plastic and therefore heading to landfill.
This creates 3 problems:
1. Influencing purchases
If you buy the products in preference to others because you think the item is recyclable you could easily be wrong.
2. Wrong Bins
Misunderstanding the logo means our recycling bins are being contaminated which then requires expensive manual sorting. Likewise we are placing items in the general waste bin which could be recycled.
It's no wonder that China, previously the world's solution to recyclable waste, closed its doors.
3. Consistent Labelling
If they can make it happen for food content, allergy information, and even health risks such as tobacco then they can ensure the environmentally waste is better labelled.
Improvements made on 'some' packaging should really be displayed on all products.
