The Chasing Arrows Myth: What the Symbol Really Means for Recycling
When most of us see the familiar “chasing arrows” symbol on a plastic container, we assume it means the item is recyclable. But in reality, the chasing arrows symbol can be misleading. Here’s the truth about what this symbol really indicates—and why it matters for effective recycling.
What Does the Chasing Arrows Symbol Really Mean?
The chasing arrows symbol, along with a number inside it, indicates the type of plastic resin the item is made from, not whether it can actually be recycled. There are seven plastic resin codes, each numbered 1 through 7, with different types of plastics and characteristics. Here’s what each code generally stands for:
#1 PETE or PET – Common in bottles and food containers, often recyclable.
#2 HDPE – Used for milk jugs and detergent bottles, also widely accepted.
#3 PVC – Found in pipes and some packaging, rarely recyclable in traditional curbside.
#4 LDPE – Used in plastic bags and wraps, not widely accepted in curbside programs.
#5 PP – Found in yogurt cups and bottle caps, sometimes recyclable.
#6 PS – Known as Styrofoam, challenging to recycle due to contamination risks.
#7 Other – Includes mixed plastics that are rarely accepted for recycling.
The symbol's use on packaging often leads consumers to mistakenly believe that all plastics can be recycled, but many of these plastics are not accepted by curbside programs or are difficult to recycle economically.
Why Is This Misleading?
The chasing arrows symbol is unregulated, meaning manufacturers can place it on any plastic product without assurance that the product is recyclable in local programs. Because of this, people often place non-recyclable items into recycling bins, leading to contamination in recycling streams. Contaminated recycling becomes more costly and labor-intensive to sort, often resulting in entire batches being sent to the landfill.
Additionally, certain plastics, especially numbers 3 through 7, are rarely recycled because the cost of processing these materials is often higher than their recyclable value. This leads to the unfortunate reality that many of these plastics still end up as waste despite bearing the recycling symbol.
How Did the Symbol Become So Widespread?
In the 1980s, the plastics industry lobbied for the use of the chasing arrows symbol to indicate resin types, not recyclability, as a way to promote plastic use and imply recyclability even when it wasn’t feasible. This branding created an enduring myth, giving consumers the impression that any plastic marked with the chasing arrows symbol could be recycled. The disconnect between consumer perception and recycling reality has complicated waste management ever since.
What Can Consumers Do?
Learn What Your Local Recycling Program Accepts: Every recycling program has different capabilities, so familiarize yourself with which plastics are accepted in your area.
Focus on Recyclable Materials: Plastics numbered 1 and 2 are generally more widely accepted. For other materials, like plastic bags or Styrofoam, look for special recycling programs, as these are not typically accepted in curbside bins.
Choose Reusable or Alternative Options: Whenever possible, avoid single-use plastics and choose reusable or more easily recyclable alternatives, such as glass or aluminum, which have higher recycling rates.
Consider Specialized Recycling Services: Companies like Boxifly are stepping in to help with hard-to-recycle items that traditional programs can’t manage. By offering a convenient recycling option for items like plastic films, textiles, and multi-layer packaging, we’re closing the gap created by the limitations of single-stream recycling.
Boxifly’s Solution to the Chasing Arrows Myth
At Boxifly, we’re committed to helping consumers navigate the complexities of recycling by providing solutions for items that often fall outside of curbside programs. By making it easier to recycle challenging materials, we’re helping reduce landfill waste and keep the recycling stream cleaner and more efficient. Our goal is to empower you with the knowledge and tools to recycle responsibly—no chasing arrows confusion required.
The Bottom Line
The chasing arrows symbol isn’t a guarantee that a plastic product can be recycled. It’s important to understand what this symbol really means so you can make informed choices and recycle effectively. With better knowledge and the right recycling solutions, we can help minimize waste and protect the environment, one informed choice at a time.
