The recycling symbol is a powerful graphic — three arrows chasing each other in a triangle, representing the cycle of reduce, reuse, and recycle. Learning to draw it correctly is both an art exercise and an environmental lesson rolled into one.

🖍️ What You Need

  • Pencil and eraser
  • Green marker (recycling green: #34a853 or similar)
  • Black pen for outlines
  • Ruler (optional, helps with arrow spacing)

How to Draw the Recycling Symbol Step by Step

  1. Draw a triangle guideline — a large equilateral triangle in pencil. This will guide the three arrows.
  2. Draw the first arrow — along the bottom edge of the triangle, draw a thick curved band with an arrowhead pointing right.
  3. Draw the second arrow — along the right edge, a thick curved band with an arrowhead pointing upward-left.
  4. Draw the third arrow — along the left edge, a thick curved band with an arrowhead pointing downward.
  5. Curve the arrows — the recycling symbol's arrows curve around the corners. Round each arrow at the triangle's corners.
  6. Check the flow — all three arrows should flow in the same direction (clockwise or counterclockwise). The most common version is counterclockwise.
  7. Erase the triangle guideline — remove the original triangle once the arrows are drawn.
  8. Colour green — the universal recycling colour is a medium green.
💡 Parikshet's Tip: The arrows in the recycling symbol each overlap the next one — the head of arrow 1 goes over the tail of arrow 3. Drawing this overlap correctly is what makes it look like a true recycling symbol rather than three separate arrows.

How to Draw Recycle: Step-by-Step for Kids

Get your pencil ready! Follow these easy steps and you'll have an amazing Recycle drawing in no time.

What You'll Need

  • Pencil (HB or 2B)
  • Eraser
  • White drawing paper
  • Black marker (optional, for outlines)
  • Coloured pencils or crayons

Step-by-Step: Drawing a Recycle

Step 1: Sketch the Basic Outline

Begin with a very light pencil sketch of the Recycle's overall shape. What is the biggest, simplest shape that describes it — a rectangle, oval, or triangle?

Step 2: Add the Main Structure

Build on the basic outline by adding the main structural elements of the Recycle. Break it down into simple geometric shapes.

Step 3: Draw the Key Features

Add the most important identifying features that make this recognisably a Recycle. These are the details that someone would notice first.

Step 4: Add Secondary Details

Now add the secondary details — textures, patterns, smaller parts. These build up the drawing gradually and give it character.

Step 5: Refine the Outline

Go back to the outline and refine any shapes that don't look right. Compare the proportions to a reference image if you have one.

Step 6: Add Depth with Lines

Add shading lines or cross-hatching on the darker side of the Recycle to create the impression of three dimensions.

Step 7: Trace with Marker

Once happy with your pencil drawing, carefully trace the final lines with a black marker or pen. Let it dry, then erase all pencil marks underneath.

Step 8: Colour Your Drawing

Apply colour to your Recycle, working from the largest areas first. Leave white areas uncoloured — the paper's white works as your lightest tone.

Colouring Your Recycle

Use real reference images as a guide for the Recycle's colours. Start with a base colour and add darker shading on one side to give a 3D feel.

Tips from Parikshet

  • Break the Recycle into simple shapes first — even complex subjects are just combinations of circles, rectangles, and triangles!
  • Don't try to make it perfect on the first try — Parikshet always does at least two practice sketches before the final drawing.
  • Practice makes perfect — try drawing it again tomorrow!