Garbage labels on everything?

Question

How come I have recently seen all sorts of products have icons that show someone throwing something in the garbage, like on a chewing gum wrapper, McDonald's paper bags, etc. Also, items such as batteries and other electronic devices have an X through them, saying not to throw it away. It all makes sense, but it seems to be only recently that this has come about. Was there any law passed or something else that caused this to take place recently?

Answer 1

The symbols and labeling you are seeing is in response to regulations being enforced in the EU. Since we live in a worldwide market these days, and the manufacturers want to make sales worldwide, they must comply with the requirements. The labeling is there to indicate how something is do be disposed of when it is no longer useful. Yes, batteries must not end up in landfills, neither can discarded electronic items. At least not in the EU. It's all about responsibility. Similar rules will soon apply in California. The rest our system will eventually catch up.

Answer 2

Batteries contain lead, acid, and other toxic substances that should not be thrown in landfills because they can pollute groundwater and eventually get into our drinking water. Manufacturers are becoming more responsible and recognizing this fact.

Fast food wrappers, on the other hand, have to be labeled to be thrown in the trash because some people are so incredibly stupid and irresponsible they think they should be thrown out their car windows.

Answer 3

Al Gore invented recycling.

.. and the Internet.

Answer 4

just a lot more focus on recycling products that can be recycled... suppose to save money somewhere along the line..

Answer 5

environmental laws i bet. littering issues. even though i doubt it helps as much as it should!