Reference image — official artwork controlledView official mark

Regional on-pack recycling label

Australasian Recycling Label

The Australasian Recycling Label gives a separate disposal instruction for each packaging component, such as recycle, check locally or bin.

ARLAustralia and New Zealand

Material or subjectComponent-by-component packaging disposal instruction

Applies inAustralia and New Zealand

What the mark identifiesVoluntary on-pack recycling label based on the ARL/PREP assessment system

Last source check15 August 2026

At a glance

What this symbol means

The Australasian Recycling Label gives a separate disposal instruction for each packaging component, such as recycle, check locally or bin.

The page explains the mark but does not reproduce controlled official artwork. The linked owner or authority source has priority for exact appearance and permitted use.

Recognition

How to recognise it

Look for a panel that names each component and gives its disposal action.
Instructions can differ between lid, tray, film and box on the same product.

Typical applications

Where it commonly appears

consumer packaging in Australia and New Zealand
multi-component packaging
soft-plastic and kerbside guidance

Practical decision

How to sort or dispose of it

Follow each component’s instruction.
Use “Check Locally” to verify available collection near you.
Do not apply an instruction from one component to the whole package.

Before disposal or return

Carry out printed actions such as empty, rinse, flatten or remove lid.
Keep components together only when the label says so.
Use the bin instruction when the component is not accepted.

Avoid contamination

Common mistakes

Looking only at the largest component.

Treating the ARL as one generic recycle logo.

Using outdated soft-plastic drop-off assumptions.

Important limitation

What it does not mean

The label applies within its stated market and component scope. It is not a universal instruction for other countries or unlabelled components.

Questions

Frequently asked questions

Does this label work in every country?

No. Use it in the market named by the label and check local rules elsewhere.

What if the pack has several components?

Follow the instruction assigned to each component.

Is the WasteSpot image the official artwork?

No. It is a recognition aid; use the official source for exact artwork.

Verification

Sources

APCO — Australasian Recycling Label programOpen source ↗

Sources checked 15 August 2026