Everyone knows 3 arrows in a triangle is the symbol for recycle. But does everyone know that companies are allowed to put that on items that aren’t recyclable?
In September 2021, California’s state assembly voted to ban companies from using the symbol unless they can prove the material is in fact recyclable in the majority of neighborhoods. CalRecycle considers products to be recyclable if “they have a viable end market and meet certain design criteria, including not using toxic chemicals.”
Recycling companies support the bill because it will help them avoid sorting and sending the non-recyclables (aka trash) to the landfill, making their companies more efficient. Environmental groups and local governments support the bill because it keeps companies honest instead of misleading the public to buy stuff that in turn harms the environment.
According to the EPA, in 2018 only 8.7% of plastic even got recycled while 27 million tons of plastic ended up in the landfill.
So what plastics can actually be recycled? CalRecycle says that plastic bottles and containers with code 1 or 2 can be recycled. Some with codes of 3-7 can also be recycled, but they suggest checking with your local waste haulers for community-specific information.
It’s not just California taking action-- the UK is also taking notice of false claims when it comes to advertising. Last January, Pepsi-Lipton had an advertisement banned when claiming that the bottle was 100% recycled. The bottle was, but the cap wasn’t, and even with the fine print explaining that, the Advertising Standards Authority ruled it was a breach of code.
We at 7th Generation Advisors know that people want to make planet friendly choices and are trying to do the right thing. If someone buys something because it says it is recyclable, then it should be recyclable. If someone buys something because it says it was recycled, then that should also be true. We hope more companies show their integrity and make truthful claims about the components of their products.
We all live with the convenience of plastic, even some single use products, but try to only use (and recycle!) the plastic products that are actually recyclable.
Ready to take action?
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