Recycling
We can summarise the process of recycling in 3 simple stages:
Collection
Ensuring materials are properly disposed in the correct containers.
Sorting Plant
Handling, sorting and preparation of materials prior to be recycled.
Valorisation Plant
At this stage is where the materials are recycled and start their next lifecycle.
The first step is responsibility of each citizen, disposing the materials in the correct containers so that the recycling chain can start. Is everyoneâs responsibility to keep the city clean and protect the environment.
Environmental impact
Each household generates an important amount of daily waste, including materials that will contaminate the environment for thousands of years if not disposed correctly and recycled. You can change the destiny of those materials, so that they avoid ending up in landfills.
Here we show you the most commonly used materials and the time it will take them to degrade in nature.
Symbols explained
The different icons and symbols commonly found on bottles and packaging can tell us a great deal of information about the products we buy.
Here we list a few, so you can easily identify and understand them.
Most commonly used symbols:
Mobius Loop
Indicates that the product or packaging has been manufactured with materials that can be recycled. When a % is shown, it means that part of the product has already been manufactured with recycled materials.
The Green Dot
Indicates that the product complies with the European packaging materials directive, which states that each company must be responsible for the recycling of their products.
Tidyman
Shows a human figure disposing an item in a bin. Its objective is to remind people to be good citizens by disposing items in the most appropriate manner.
Waste Electricals
Indicates that electrical appliances should NOT be disposed as general waste as these can be toxic to the environment and must be placed in specific containers for recycling.
Glass
Commonly used on glass bottles and other glass items to remind the consumer to place them in the specific container for recycling.
Recyclable aluminium
This symbol indicates that the product has been made from recyclable aluminium and can be recycled.
Recyclable Steel
Used in food and drink containers as well as spray cans manufactured with steel and indicates that these must be properly recycled.
Metal Recycles Forever
Simply informs the consumer that metal is forever and can be infinitely recycled.
FSC (Forest Stewardship Council)
Indicates that the manufacturer of the product has used wood from well managed and sustainable forests and have been independently certified.
PEFC (Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification)
Indicates that the product has been certified by an international organisation that promotes sustainable management of forests, similar to FSC.
Resin Identification Code or RIC: to identify different plastic types:
Polyethylene terephthalate
The most widely used plastic, mainly for water and soft drinks bottles, cooking oil containers, juice bottles, etc.
High-density polyethylene
Great versatility and resistance. Used for household cleaning product containers, detergent, shampoo, containers for industrial chemicals, etc.
Polyvinyl chloride
Very strong and toxic. Commonly used for water pipes and construction materials.
Low-density polyethylene
Strong and flexible, used for plastic bags, sandwich bags, frozen food bags, six pack rings, etc.
Polypropylene
High temperature resistant and used for food containers, bottle caps, yogurt and medical containers, sauce containers such as ketchup, mayonnaise, etc.
Polystyrene
Used for egg trays, CD cases, plastic cutlery, plastic cups, food trays, foam, etc.
Others
Includes other plastics such as acrylic, nylon, fiberglass, etc, commonly used to manufacture DVDÂŽs, CDÂŽs, baby bottles, sport bottles, etc.
