Material Stream Icon Guidelines

The material stream iconography was initially developed in 2004 to support the national Recycle Now (and subsequently Wales Recycles) campaign branding, help raise awareness of the different types of materials that can be recycled, and promote local recycling services by providing a consistent look and feel. The icons are widely recognised and used nationally across recycling services.

The material stream icons primarily represent the most common items that can be recycled. Different icon options are available so they can be tailored to suit the shape and size of the space available on the channel or hardware to which they’re applied.

The icons provide a set of practical signposts that show what can be recycled and can be used in many applications including:

• Local authority communications
• Information boards and signage at recycling bring sites and household waste and recycling centres
• Hot foiling information on containers
• Bin stickers and tags
• Container labels
• Out of home advertising
• Local authority websites
• Social media content
• Vehicle livery.