We are all determined to do our bit when it comes to salon recycling but sometimes the guidance as to what salon products can and cannot be recycled (and how) can leave you confused and quite tempted to take the easy route and ignore the symbols completely. As brands and suppliers continue to increase their efforts to make their products more sustainable it's only right that we should all play our part, no matter how small. So here's our guide to recycling symbols, letting you know what is sustainable and what's a load of old rubbish...
What do these recycling symbols mean?
Mobius Loop
This means the item is capable of being recycled, but not that it has been recycled, or will be accepted in all recycling collection systems. Sometimes this is accompanied by a percentage figure that indicates it's made from X% recycled material. |
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Plastic Resin CodesThis identifies the type of plastic used. The number in the middle (which ranges from one to seven) acts as a resin identification code alongside the plastic's acronym (e.g. PET stands for polyethylene terephthalate). |
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Glass RecyclingThis symbol encourages you to recycle glass containers in a bottle bank (remember to separate different coloured glass). Alternatively, use your glass household recycling collection service if your local council has one. |
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Forest Stewardship CouncilThe Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) logo shows that wood and other forest-based items are sourced from well-managed forests and/or recycled and controlled sources and comply with the rules of the FSC. |
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Not Yet RecycledThis label is applied to products that are recycled by less than 20% of local authorities in the UK. |
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Check LocallyThis symbol appears on packagaing that is collected by 20-75% of local authorities in the UK. |
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Recyclable SteelThis means the item is made of steel and can be recycled by all local authorities. |
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Aluminum RecyclingThe aluminium icon means the object is made from recyclable aluminium. |
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Compostable RecyclingThe seedling icon means the item can be composted. However, don't mix this with recyclable items as it contaminates the recycling process. |
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The Green DotThis symbol does not necessarily mean the item is recyclable. However, it means the producer has made a financial contribution to the recycling of packaging in Europe. |
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Waste ElectricalsSome electrical items cannot be disposed of in normal waste. Check with your local authority for kerbside collection, or recycle them at a recycling centre or larger retailers. |
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Widely RecycledThis icon means the item is collected by 75% or more of local authorities across the UK. Variations of the symbol include instruction such as rinsing the item first or keeping the lid of the product on. |
Want to find out why sustainability is important to apprentices? Read our feature here.
Today's Sustainability Week content is sponsored by Takara Belmont.