We’re all familiar with the triangular loop of arrows that universally represents recycling. The recycling logo has been around since the first Earth Day in 1970. The three arrows represent the three-step process of the recycling loop. The first step (or arrow) represents the collection of materials to be recycled. The second arrow is the manufacturing process, where the recyclable materials are manufactured into new products. The third arrow is the purchase of these new, recycled materials.
The issue with the recycling logo is how much manufacturing and use of materials have changed since 1970. We’re now using many different materials for a single product, which makes recycling very difficult and results in confusion among people trying to do the right thing for the planet.
Earlier this year, the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) released comments on the Federal Trade Commission’s Guides for the Use of Environmental Marketing Claims, which aims to increase the effectiveness of recycling systems in the United States. The EPA proposes that they move away from using the chasing arrows logo, especially for plastic products, as a number of plastics cannot be recycled in traditional recycling systems. Moreover, companies seem to be hiding behind these logos, giving customers false hope that the item is recyclable.
They propose replacing the chasing arrows logo with an equilateral triangle on such plastic items or removed entirely. In fact, in 2021, California became the first state to restrict the use of the recycling logo. It passed a bill that criminalizes putting the symbol on any item that isn’t commonly recycled.
Oregon also created a task force to examine environmental labelling as part of legislation making packagers more responsible for their waste. And New York is working on passing a bill that would eliminate the chasing arrow logo from any non-recyclable item.
According to the Society of Plastics Industry, the numbers (1-7) indicated inside the chasing arrows symbol were never meant to indicate recyclability but to show consumers what sort of plastic the object was made from. Most people don’t even know what these numbers represent, which adds to even more confusion.
What is the solution to removing or changing the recycling arrows with which we seem to have a hate-love relationship? Many advocates hope it will create public pressure for companies to develop more eco-friendly packaging, such as paper, biodegradable packages or truly recyclable plastic. Moreover, after China’s ban in 2018 to accept the import of plastics, the US needs to start thinking about what to do with their waste and how to make it more sustainable. Consumers also play a significant role in reducing this problem simply by lowering the amount of plastic they buy and reusing and refilling containers whenever possible.
Removing the recycling logo on certain products (mainly plastic ones) will eliminate greenwashing, encourage more companies to think sustainably about their packaging, and reduce confusion about what can go into the recycling bin. It’s not the perfect solution, but it might be one that will encourage sustainable change.
