If you've ever gotten in a quibble with a partner or family member about sorting the recycling, you're far from alone. We tapped sustainability pros to explain recycling symbols so you can ensure everything ends up where it should. Ensuring you’re sorting your recycling correctly can feel like a bit of a chore, but it’s important to do so. Below, experts explain the recycling symbols to know and offer insights on recycling items correctly. Below, we break recycling symbols 1 through 7 down, with a detailed explanation of how to read each one.