What is the Australasian Recycling Label?
The Australasian Recycling Label (ARL) is the only evidence-based recycling label for Australia and New Zealand, it provides easy-to-understand recycling information when you need it most, removing recycling confusion. When we dispose of our waste correctly, we keep contamination out of the recycling stream and recyclable material away from landfill.
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How does the ARL work?
The four types of label classifications are:
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Recyclable:The coloured/opaque recycling symbol means that this piece of packaging can be placed in the recycling bin as it is. Each piece of packaging with this label must be placed separately in the recycling bin. |
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Conditionally Recyclable:The clear/ transparent recycling symbol means you must follow the instructions to recycle this packaging component. If you don't follow the instructions, it has to go in the rubbish bin, as it will otherwise not be recycled and cause contamination to the recycling stream. |
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Not Recyclable:The bin symbol means this piece of packaging is not recyclable, and you must place it in the rubbish bin. DO NOT place it in the recycling bin. It will not get recycled and will contaminate the recycling stream. |
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Check Locally:The geotag symbol means this item may be recyclable at kerbside or other locations recognised as alternative destinations. Use the interactive local recycling tool on arl.org.au to check recyclability options in your area. If there are no local options available, you will be prompted to place the item in the general waste bin. |
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Frequently Asked Questions
How does packaging get assessed for the ARL?
Manufactures input packaging data into the PREP tool, which assess the technical recyclability based on the size, shape and composition of the packaging, then accounts for recycling services available. These elements combine to inform whether a packaging item is recyclable, not recyclable or if consumers have to take an extra step to recycle an item.?
If more than 80% of the population with kerbside recycling can recycle an item, it is considered Widely Accepted.?
Where 60-80% of the population has access, it is considered Less Widely Accepted and consumers are encouraged to make informed decisions about packaging disposal that align with the availability of collection services in their local area.?
If less than 60% of the population with kerbside recycling can recycle an item, it is considered below the threshold of recyclability and classified as not-recyclable.?
What happened to soft plastic recycling?
Following the closure of REDcycle, Australia’s national system for soft plastic collection and recycling, most Australians will have to put soft plastics in their garbage bin until an alternative service is established. However, there are still recycling options available to some Australians.
Some councils may have set up collection points or services for soft plastics (check directly with your council).
A number of councils are working with RecycleSmart to offer periodic free collection of soft plastics and certain types of e-waste.
The Central Coast Council and the City of Newcastle have a specialised recycling service for soft plastics available to their residents, which is run by Curby.
Soft Plastic Stewardship Australia (SPSA) was formed in 2024, and its Product Stewardship Scheme is in development to provide Australians with renewed access to soft plastic recycling services.
Visit RecyclingNearYou.com.au to find out more information regarding soft plastics.
Get The Label
If you are a Brand Owner, or packaging manufacturer who wants to get the Australasian Recycling Label on your packaging, please contact the Australian Packaging Covenant Organisation (APCO) on arl@apco.org.au or phone (02) 8381 3700.
Partnerships
APCO, Planet Ark and PREP Design are partnering to deliver the Australasian Recycling Label Program.
