At the heart of the How2Recycle program is a commitment to empowering transparent communications between brands and their consumers. Across the U.S. and Canada, How2Recycle labels work with our members to make disposal decisions clear, actionable, and accessible to consumers.
Now, we’re proud to build on our commitment to transparency with our new “How2Recycle Decision Matrix: Public Summary” — an overview of the comprehensive framework that guides every assessment decision, from Widely Recyclable to Not Yet Recyclable labels.
What You’ll Find in the How2Recycle Decision Matrix
The Decision Matrix consolidates our evaluation process across our five main recyclability assessment categories — Applicable Law, Collection, Sortation, Reprocessing, and End Markets. It also examines the four additional considerations that influence our final label designations, such as Consumer Experience, Material Health, Product Application and Product Residue, and Consistency and Common Sense.
This public summary offers insight into where the most common materials and formats fall within How2Recycle’s definition of recyclability. With the summary, we hope to further advance clarity around our process and the factors that drive label assignments.
Why We’re Sharing This Now
We’re committed to ongoing transparency. With the Decision Matrix, many of our members, partners, and stakeholders have the tools to better understand how we evaluate packaging recyclability.
The landscape is evolving. As recycling infrastructure advances, technology improves, and regulations like California’s SB 343 reshape requirements, we want to elucidate the ways we’re adapting our assessments to stay current and credible.
Better decisions start with better information. Whether you’re designing packaging, making procurement choices, or advocating for better recycling systems, this matrix gives you the foundation to make informed decisions relevant to How2Recycle label eligibility.
Collaboration strengthens the system. Member and partner input helps improve the Decision Matrix over time. This feedback loop ensures that our recyclability criteria remain credible, defensible, and useful for the industry.
Key Features of the Decision Matrix
- Material-by-material breakdown showing the “best-case” eligibility for each packaging category
- Clear assessment standards for Collection, Sortation, Reprocessing, and End Markets
- Data sources and methodology behind our evaluation process
- Insight into additional considerations like Material Health and Consumer Experience
- Regular updates to reflect the latest industry developments
What’s Next?
This Decision Matrix represents our ongoing commitment to advancing transparency in disposal and recyclability labeling. As recycling infrastructure, technology, and regulations continue to evolve, this will remain a living resource that we update regularly to reflect the most current data and industry best practices.
Ready to explore? Access the full How2Recycle Decision Matrix: Public Summary today.