The chasing arrows

It’s a common misconception that the chasing arrows recycling symbol represent reduce, reuse and reduce or the three Rs. It was designed in 1970 by Gary Anderson, a 23-year graduate student. The symbols illustrate the closed-loop system with each arrow line draw a step in the process; the collection, manufacturing and purchasing in a closed-loop order, see also Mobius loop.

• The collection, when consumers toss recyclable products, materials are processed at recycling facilities and ready to be sold to manufacturers.
• Manufacturing, recycled materials are made into new products from recycled goods and ship them to retailers to be sold as new items.
• Purchasing, the consumer, purchase products made from recycled materials; they substantially close the loop.

Related Terms

• Life cycle assessment (LCA)
• Non-recyclable
• Recyclability symbols
• 3R’s (waste management)
• 3r’s model illustration (waste management)