Recycling symbols & environmental eco-labeling: The Low Down
Recycling symbols
You may have noticed that many products have the mobius loop on their packaging. The use of this symbol, on such items as plastic containers and paper products, generally indicates that the packaging is technically recyclable, but only when a program exists that has the infrastructure and markets to support the recycling of that material. It does not mean that the material is recyclable through the City of Toronto’s Recycling Program.
Keep in mind that packaging and marketing is done on a national and/or international scale. Some communities may actually be able to recycle a particular product in their local recycling programs. Check your collection calendar or contact the product’s manufacturer to confirm what’s accepted in your local program.
Mobius Loop
This symbol means that the packaging is recyclable, only where facilities exist. For example, plastics that are recyclable in Toronto consist of small mouthed plastic bottles and jugs and all wide mouthed plastic food jars, tubs and lids with this symbol on the bottom. To make recycling as easy as possible, the City is no longer referring to plastics by their category number. To maximize recycling rates the City’s approach is to capture the plastic, separate the recyclables and transfer the non-recyclables to garbage. Examples of plastics that should not be placed in the Blue Box include: toys, take-out food containers and muffin/cake trays. For more details, see recycling information sheet (PDF).
Mobius Loop with Recycled Content
This symbol means that the packaging contains recycled content. For Toronto’s Recycling Program to be successful we must not only have a supply of recyclable material but also a demand for recycled products. Buying recycled is not only reducing the amount of waste sent to landfill it is also a way to save energy and non-renewable resources.
Environmental Eco-labeling
Environmental eco-labeling is a voluntary method of environmental performance certification based on life cycle considerations - a cradle to grave approach. A seal or logo identifies products that meet the requirements. In contrast to "green" symbols or claim statements developed by manufacturers and service providers, an eco-label is awarded by an impartial third party, which independently determines if a product or service meets environmental leadership criteria.
Environmental Choice Eco-labeling
Canada's Environmental Choice™ Program official Eco-Logo symbol of certification features three stylized doves intertwined to form a maple leaf. Each dove represents a sector of society: consumers, industry and government all working together to improve Canada's environment. Established in 1988, the program helps consumers identify products and services that are less harmful to the environment.
A product or service may be certified because it is:
- made or offered in a way that improves energy efficiency,
- reduces hazardous by-products,
- uses recycled materials or
- the product itself can be reused.
Currently, the Environmental Choice™ Program has more than 1400 approved products, with 119 licensees and 29 guidelines under which companies may be licensed and their products certified.
Suggestions for smart shopping
- purchase products that are recyclable and/or made from recyclable materials
- look for the Environmental Eco-logo