Effective recycling begins with accurately sorting packaging waste at home, yet consumers often struggle with identifying the correct containers for various types of packaging. To address this challenge, Spanish regulations have established clear Spanish labeling regulations  guidelines to assist consumers in sorting their waste correctly.

Recycling Symbols in Spain

In Spain, recycling symbols are represented by icons with yellow, green, blue, or brown containers, each indicating a different type of packaging material.

Symbol Usage in the Market

Spanish regulations advise using two versions of the recycling symbol based on the label or packaging space available. Bilingual versions of these symbols are also allowed.

Applying Symbols Based on Packaging Type

Yellow Container Symbol

• Purpose: Indicates packaging that should be disposed of in the yellow container.
• Materials: Plastics, metals, and certain types of cardboard.
• Examples:
  • Plastic: Beverage bottles (soft drinks, mineral water), detergent containers, shopping bags, polystyrene trays, yogurt cups.
  • Metal: Aluminum and tin cans (soft drinks, beer), canned food, aluminum trays.
  • Composite Packaging: Cartons for milk, juices, soups, and items like sugar and beans.
  • Mixed Materials: Bread bags made from both paper and plastic.

Blue Container Symbol

• Purpose: Designates packaging for the blue container.
• Materials: Paper and cardboard.
• Examples:
  • Paper Waste: Office paper, magazines, newspapers, brochures, comic books, flyers.
  • Cardboard Waste: Cardboard boxes, cereal boxes. (Note: Milk and juice cartons should be placed in the yellow bin.)
  • Non-Eligible Waste: Soiled paper products (e.g., toilet paper, napkins), copy paper, and plastic-coated paper should not be placed in the blue bin.

Brown Container Symbol

• Purpose: Identifies compostable packaging for the brown container.
• Criteria: Packaging must meet the UNE EN 13432:2001 standard for compostability, ensuring it decomposes almost entirely into organic matter.

Green Container Symbol

• Purpose: Marks glass packaging intended for the green container.
• Examples: Glass bottles (e.g., wine, spirits), jars (e.g., cosmetics, jam).

Handling Multi-Material Packaging

For packaging made from multiple materials that belong in different containers, assess if the materials can be easily separated. If they can, Spanish regulations require each material to be labeled with its corresponding container. Whenever feasible, place the appropriate recycling symbol on each separate packaging component. For further assistance, consumers and producers should reach out to relevant support teams.

Design Guidelines

The recycling symbol should be prominently displayed and easily recognizable, with a recommended minimum size of 10 millimeters. Ensure high contrast between the symbol and any photographic background for clarity. In some instances, placing the symbol over images may be restricted, so alternative, clear locations should be used.