How the recycling symbol lost its meaning Corporations sold Americans on the chasing arrows — while stripping the logo of its worth.

EPA may change "chasing arrows" recycling symbol for plastics 02:24. The "chasing arrows" logo is universally recognized as a sign to recycle, but the Environmental Protection Agency is now saying ...

The agency wants to stop using the “chasing arrows” logo on plastics that can’t be recycled. The man who designed it more than 50 years ago agrees that the symbol has been misused.

In the spring of 1970, an estimated 20 million Americans — 10 percent of the population — showed up for the first Earth Day, taking part in rallies, marches, and teach-ins, calling for clean ...

A recycling symbol is seen on a laundry detergent bottle in a bale of plastic for recycling at ... you see the recycling logo,” Enck said. “People want to recycle. People feel good about it ...

Joe Scott. This Is NOT A Recycling Symbol. Posted: June 17, 2025 | Last updated: June 17, 2025. For decades, we’ve been told that plastic waste is recyclable, and have been encouraged to recycle ...

He designed the symbol in 1970, initially for paper items. "It may be better just to have the symbol to draw people's attention to that part of the package where the more detailed instructions are ...

Paper recycling symbols indicate that the type of paper used to make a product is fit for recycling. PAP20 is for corrugated fiberboard or cardboard. PAP21 is for fiberboard found in cereal and snack ...

Number 1: Recycle bottles, cans, paper, and cardboard. Number 2: Keep food and liquid out of your recycling. Number 3: No loose plastic bags and no bagged recyclables.

Regulators have taken notice. At the national level, the Federal Trade Commission is preparing an update to its “Green Guides” for the use of sustainability labels, including the recycling symbol.