Generic material-recycling guide

Material recycling mark

Generic steel recycling indication

A steel mark suggests that the coded component concerns steel packaging, but the exact artwork and claim should be read with local instructions.

SteelVaries by scheme and brand

Material or subjectSteel packaging

Applies inVaries by scheme and brand

What the mark identifiesMaterial-specific environmental or sorting indication

Last source check15 August 2026

At a glance

What this symbol means

The mark draws attention to steel packaging recovery or recycling. It may be a scheme mark, trade mark, material indication or general recycling prompt.

There is no single worldwide official artwork for this generic prompt. Prefer the exact material code and local sorting instruction when available.

Recognition

How to recognise it

Look for the word or familiar material icon for steel.
Read any nearby code, component name or disposal instruction.

Typical applications

Where it commonly appears

food cans
aerosol cans
steel closures

Practical decision

How to sort or dispose of it

Confirm that the item is actually steel packaging packaging.
Use the local metal collection route when accepted.
Separate other components when instructed.

Before disposal or return

Empty the package.
Remove significant contamination.
Follow local instructions on caps, labels and size.

Avoid contamination

Common mistakes

Treating a generic icon as official local acceptance.

Applying the mark to the whole multi-material package.

Ignoring contamination or product-safety rules.

Important limitation

What it does not mean

A generic material icon does not replace an official material code, prove local acceptance or cover every component of a package.

Questions

Frequently asked questions

Is this an official universal logo?

No single artwork is universal. Read the exact mark and source on the product.

Does it guarantee local collection?

No.

What is the best next step?

Identify the material code and check the local collection guide.

Verification

Sources

EU Decision 97/129/EC — Packaging material identification systemOpen source ↗Regulation (EU) 2025/40 — Packaging and packaging wasteOpen source ↗

Sources checked 15 August 2026