The Australasian Recycling Label (ARL) is an evidence-based label for packaging in Australia and New Zealand. The label tells you which bin to put the packaging in – removing confusion, saving you time and reducing waste to landfill.
How does it work?
There are four types of label classifications:
For more information about the ARL, visit arl.org.au
For advice on recycling tricky items like mattresses, e-waste, and food scraps, use the free recycling directory on Recycling Near You.
About the ARL
The Australasian Recycling Label (ARL) System was developed by Planet Ark and GreenChip, with the support of the Australian Packaging Covenant Organisation (APCO). Its development complemented the launch of the Packaging Recyclability Evaluation Portal (PREP) in December 2014.
The development of the ARL System was developed due to the demand from Officeworks, the first company to adopt the ARL. Now, over 1000 organisations have joined the ARL program, with the label featured on over 500,000 on shelf products across Australian and New Zealand.
The PREP assessment tool remains the basis for the ARL's model, making it the only evidence-based recycling label in Australia.
Planet Ark continues its key role in this process by collecting data determining the access residents have to kerbside recycling collection from local councils across the Australia, while in New Zealand, PREP follows the Ministry for the Environment's Standard materials for kerbside collections: guidance for territorial authorities guidelines.
In 2018, APCO assumed responsibility for the administration of the ARL, including holding exclusive license of the label. Until 2025, APCO owned and operated the label with the support of Planet Ark.
Planet Ark is proud of our role in the creation of and promotion the ARL program to the wider public, challenging common misconceptions and engaging consumers through educational content and resources. By promoting positive behavior change through our channels and public campaigns, our initiatives have been pivotal to the success of the program, helping Australians make the right choices at the bin.
