The iconic recycling logo, which originally promised environmental benefits, has been misused and manipulated by corporations over the last 50 years, especially “Big Plastic”, to mislead the public. Despite widespread belief in its effectiveness, the symbol often appears on non-recyclable products, particularly certain plastics, causing confusion and inefficiency in recycling efforts, and contributing to even greater environmental harm.

In some cases it's blatant “greenwashing”, which is a term used when a product or service is misleading to consumers about its environmental benefits. In other cases it's simply misunderstanding or confusion about how or what to recycle. 

Some cities and towns and organizations have stopped recycling efforts altogether because the costs have become too high or the process has become too daunting. 

Perhaps it's time to rethink and reeducate the public on recycling. Maybe it should even be a third-party, independent organization that certifies products as recyclable. I think I know someone who can help with that. 

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Fun Fact: the now-famous recycling logo was initially designed in 1970 by an architecture student named Gary Anderson at the University of Southern California. It was a submission to a logo contest sponsored by The Container Corporation. Anderson received a $2,500 scholarship for his winning design, which is far better than the $35 Carolyn Davidson (another student) received for her original design of the Nike “swoosh” logo in 1971. 

(Warning: this article linked below is a fairly long read.)