How2Recycle provides a standardized labeling system for brands and packaging providers to communicate disposal instructions to consumers. We aim to educate consumers and provide clarity in the recycling space. How2Recycle does not create or sell products or packages, nor do we own or operate any recycling infrastructure. Our role is to provide standardized, data-informed labeling that reflects current access and reprocessing realities.

As laws evolve and infrastructure improves, our labels will continue to adapt!

The How2Recycle program provides the disposal instructions consumers need in one concise label. Clear instructions on packages reduce confusion for consumers and ultimately help reduce contamination in the recycling stream. Contamination can disrupt the recycling process at facilities by damaging sortation equipment, slowing down processing, and ultimately result in more waste being sent to landfills. Transparency from brands is crucial for consumers to understand their packages and have more success disposing of them properly.

The How2Recycle label is built on nationally harmonized data. We determine recyclability based on the following factors:

• Applicable law
• Access to collection
• Sortation
• Technical recyclability
• End Markets

 
Additionally, we closely monitor legislation and guidance in the US and Canada, including the US Federal Trade Commission’s (FTC) Green Guides and Competition Bureau Canada, to avoid consumer deception and increase the reliability of recyclability claims. You can find more information on how we define recyclability here.

If you’re a business, we’d love to connect! Visit our parent nonprofit, GreenBlue, to learn more about joining the How2Recycle program and how your organization can empower consumers through awareness around proper disposal.

If you’re an individual, one of the most impactful ways to support our work is by encouraging your favorite brands to use clear, standardized recycling labels. Let them know that transparent guidance matters to you!

While we don’t offer individual memberships or a newsletter, you can stay informed by following us on Facebook and Instagram, where we regularly share program updates, recycling tips, etc. You can also check out our latest program announcements here.

Yes! The How2Recycle program is available in Canada. We encourage you to explore our site to learn about the differences in our labels between the US and Canada. We currently have recycling access data to support our program in the US and Canada only, but we may expand in the future!

Each How2Recycle label is specific to the package it is on, and has been assigned by our team through an individual review process. You can learn more about the How2Recycle labels here.

If a package does not have a How2Recycle label, we are, unfortunately, unable to provide guidance, as we do not have all of the package specifications to determine the appropriate recyclability designation.

We recommend following your local guidance; however, if it is unclear whether or not a package is recyclable, it is best to toss it in the trash to avoid the risk of contaminating the recycling stream. If you see a brand without the How2Recycle label, we encourage you to reach out to them and let them know this program is important to you!

It’s just as important to communicate with consumers what isn’t recyclable. The Not Yet Recyclable label keeps packages that can’t be recycled out of the recycling stream, reducing contamination and improving the quality of recycled material. If you find a Not Yet Recyclable label on a package, this item should be disposed of in your trash bin.

In some cases, packages are made of technically recyclable materials, but contamination from food residue or hazardous materials renders them Not Yet Recyclable. You can learn more about the Not Yet Recyclable designation here.

While our technical team assigns labels based on a thorough review process, we know mistakes can happen. If you think a label might be incorrect, we’d be happy to take a second look at your package.

Please email us at [email protected] with as much information as possible, such as a photo of the package, the brand name, product name, and a description of the How2Recycle label on the package. Your input helps us keep the labeling system accurate and trustworthy.

How2Recycle does not manage recycling facilities or pick-up services ourselves; therefore, we do not provide information on local access. The best way to find out how to recycle specific items in your area is to check with your local recycling program. Most city or county websites have information about what’s accepted in curbside bins and where nearby drop-off locations are. A quick online search using your city or county name + “recycling” should point you in the right direction!

We recommend checking with your local recycling office for more information on redeeming your recyclables for a refund.

The How2Recycle labeling system is separate from the Resin Identification Code (RIC) System. It is at the brand’s discretion if they choose to feature the RIC on a package. The RIC system is used to identify types of plastics, but it can be misleading because it doesn’t always provide a complete picture of a package’s recyclability. The RIC only identifies the plastic resin type and doesn’t account for other factors—such as additives, coatings, attachments, labels, or product applications—that can affect whether a package can actually be recycled. We encourage you to read this blog post for more information!

How2Recycle’s technical assessments consider every part of a package before assigning it a How2Recycle label to provide you with instructions for each component.

If it would be helpful to have a RIC on your package, we encourage you to contact brands directly to share your feedback.

It is important to keep hazardous waste out of your recycling bin and take it to a proper drop-off site. We recommend checking your local county or city website for information on hazardous waste disposal programs. Many accept common battery types and other items like light bulbs and electronics. Some locations may charge a small fee. You can also visit Earth911.com and use their recycling locator tool to find recycling options near you.

You can use the following link to check if your local recycler accepts this package.

If carton recycling isn’t available in your area, the Carton Council offers a mail-in program to ensure these cartons are properly recycled. You can also use their site to sign a petition supporting expanded carton recycling in your community.

Learn more and take action here.

Acceptance of different packaging formats can vary from location to location. We always suggest following your local guidance. In the US, only pure polyethylene (PE) films are recyclable through the Store Drop-off stream.

Plastic mailers can only be recycled in the Store Drop-off stream if the paper label has been fully removed. The paper label can contaminate the recycling stream, so to be safe, we encourage you to dispose of these packages in the trash bin.

If your label says “replace cap,” you should put the cap back on the package before recycling. This will ensure that the cap gets recycled. It’s too small to flow through a recycling facility on its own. However, in some instances where the cap isn’t recyclable due to the material it is made of, our label will tell you to “Discard Cap.”

We closely work with the Association of Plastic Recyclers (APR), which represents more than 90% of plastic recyclers in the US. Their official recommendation is to leave caps on. You can read more about APR’s recommendation here.

If your label says “See Website for Cap,” for glass beverage bottles with small, crown-shaped metal caps, it’s best to collect them in an emptied soup can. Once you have filled the can, squeeze the top closed and toss it in your recycling bin.

Our recyclability assessments are data-driven, and innovative packages must undergo testing and evaluation before being eligible for a favorable recyclability designation. If you are unsure about a package’s assigned label, rest assured that our team has done its due diligence. Always feel free to contact us at [email protected] with any specific concerns.

In the U.S., most plastic bags, wraps, and films can’t be recycled through curbside or standard drop-off programs. However, many of these materials can be recycled at participating retail stores through Store Drop-off collection bins.

How2Recycle partners with the Flexible Film Recycling Alliance (FFRA) to offer a searchable directory of over 60,000 retail locations and municipal drop-off sites nationwide.

Explore the directory and FAQs here.

If you notice the Store Drop-off directory requires an update, this feedback is important to us! We recommend getting in contact with Plastic Film Recycling here.

Store Drop-off for PE packages is only available in the US. Packages assigned the Store Drop-off label in the US are eligible for Widely Recyclable designations in Canada. In this case, place these packages in a curbside or drop-off bin.

The How2Compost label applies to packages that have already been certified compostable in industrial facilities by the Biodegradable Products Institute (BPI).

Industrial composting facilities take large volumes of organic materials and carefully monitor nutrient, oxygen, moisture, and temperature levels to produce a high-quality compost product. Currently, How2Compost only certifies packages that meet BPI’s requirements for industrial composting.