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The (Mis)Understanding of the Symbol Associated with Recycling on Plastic Containers in the US: A Brief Report
Summary
A US survey found that over 80% of respondents incorrectly believed that the recycling symbol on plastic containers means the item is recyclable, when it actually just identifies the plastic resin type. This widespread misunderstanding likely contributes to wishful recycling and contamination of recycling streams. Better labeling and public education are needed to improve actual plastic recycling rates.
Plastic containers are a major source of pollution and contribute to greenhouse gases. Many plastic containers are embossed with a small symbol of three arrows forming a triangle and a number in the middle of the triangle. As part of a US online study, we assessed the meaning of this symbol. Of the 808 respondents presented with a visual image of the three-arrow symbol, 81.3% reported (incorrectly) that the symbol indicated that the item could definitely be recycled and 16.3% reported that it could probably be recycled. The findings suggest that a large proportion of individuals have an inaccurate understanding of the symbol on plastics purported to indicate recycling. Plastic manufacturers should revise labels about recycling and not disseminate potentially deceptive information about the ability to recycle their products, and more effective methods such as extended producer responsibility legislation are needed to reduce plastic pollution.