FAQ: Sorting Myths Debunked
Clear facts on everyday packaging labels. We clarify misleading industry terminology, dual-arrow symbols, and municipal sorting rules.
Does the chasing arrows Mobius triangle guarantee an item will be recycled?
No. The classic resin identification code triangle signifies purely the chemical resin category from which the item was molded (e.g., #6 Polystyrene). It is an industrial material classification code, not an assurance that your local municipality has sorting equipment or buyers for that polymer.
What does the European 'Green Dot' (Der Grüne Punkt) symbol mean?
The Green Dot (a circle with two entwined arrows) does NOT mean the package is recyclable or made from recycled material. It simply certifies that the manufacturer made a financial contribution to a national packaging recovery organization (such as Duales System Deutschland).
Should I leave plastic screw caps on or take them off bottles?
Modern guidelines advise crushing the bottle and screwing the cap back on tightly. Modern recycling plants shred the entire assembly; during the water-bath flotation phase, the PET bottle flakes sink while the HDPE/PP cap flakes float to the surface, cleanly separating both resins. Detached caps often slip through conveyor screens into landfill bins.
Can I throw 'compostable' takeaway food cartons in my backyard compost?
Only if it carries the specific "OK Compost HOME" mark. Items certified only to EN 13432 or ASTM D6400 demand prolonged temperatures above 55°C to initiate decomposition. In a backyard pile, they will persist for years without breaking down.
Why is Pizza box cardboard often rejected despite carrying the Corrugated 20 mark?
While corrugated cardboard is easily re-pulped, heavy food contamination (grease, melted cheese) cannot be separated during the water-based paper re-pulping process. Oil causes oil slicks on newly made paper webs, ruining the batch. Tear off clean unsoiled lid portions and discard greasy bottoms.
What does the glass bottle 'Tidyman' symbol instruct?
The Tidyman symbol (a figure dropping litter into a waste receptacle) is a civic reminder encouraging consumers not to litter public spaces. It does not dictate recycling technicalities, simply asking you to dispose of the item responsibly.
What does the Triman logo on French packaging represent?
The Triman logo (a silhouette of a human figure facing three arrows) is a mandatory French legal sign alerting citizens that the product or packaging is subject to separate sorting rules and must not be put in the residual waste bin.
What is the difference between PCR and PIR content symbols?
PCR stands for Post-Consumer Recycled content (materials reclaimed from household or commercial end-users). PIR stands for Post-Industrial Recycled content (manufacturing scraps and offcuts re-introduced into production before reaching consumers). PCR is considered higher impact for environmental circularity.