That's a great question! While many people wish for a single, universal color, the answer isn't so straightforward. There is no single international standard that every country or even every city follows. However, there are very common and widely adopted color conventions.
In the United States and Canada, blue is overwhelmingly the standard color for outdoor bins and containers dedicated to mixed recyclables like paper, cardboard, plastic bottles, and metal cans. You'll see blue bins at curbsides, in parks, and outside businesses. This practice is so prevalent that blue has become almost synonymous with recycling in North America.
Globally, there's more variation. In the United Kingdom and many parts of Europe, green bins are frequently used for recycling, while black or grey bins are for general waste. In Australia, the color yellow is often used for recycling. Some municipalities use specific colors for different materials—like green for glass, blue for paper, and red for plastics—though this is more common for indoor sorting stations.
The key takeaway? Always check the label or signage on the bin itself. Local waste management authorities set the rules, so the most reliable practice is to look for the recycling symbol (the chasing arrows) and follow any posted instructions for what materials belong inside. When in doubt, a quick visit to your city's public works website will give you the definitive answer for your area. Consistency within a local community is far more important than a global standard for ensuring recyclables are properly sorted and processed.