How to Draw the Recycling Symbol: Easy 10-Step Guide

Looking for a fun way to teach kids about sustainability? This step-by-step guide is perfect for ages 6+ and helps develop spatial awareness and fine motor skills. You only need a pencil, an eraser, and a piece of paper to get started.

10 Steps

🎯 Final Result

A vibrant, finished drawing of the recycling symbol, perfect for environmental education.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: The First Arrow Edge

Pencil sketch showing the first diagonal line and top curve of the recycling arrow.

Draw a diagonal line on the left side of your page, then add a short curve and a horizontal line on top. Tip: Keep this line near the top-left of your paper to leave room for the other two arrows.

Step 2: Forming the Second Arrow

Drawing the second segment of the recycling symbol with a bottom horizontal line.

Sketch a shorter diagonal line pointing in the opposite direction. Add a curve at the end and a horizontal line at the bottom. Tip: Think of this as creating the 'corner' of the triangle.

Step 3: Completing the Triangle Base

Adding the right-side segments to complete the triangular outline of the recycling symbol.

On the right, draw two more diagonal lines and connect them with three curves. These should mirror the first side. Tip: Keep your spacing even so the triangle looks balanced.

Step 4: Adding Inner Arrow Details

Adding internal diagonal lines to create the arrow point in the center.

Sketch two diagonal lines in the center that meet at the top. Tip: These lines define the 'arrowhead' shape of the recycling symbol.

Step 5: Defining the Arrowheads

Refining the arrowheads with additional diagonal lines to create depth.

Complete the triangle base with a horizontal line, then add two more diagonal lines pointing in opposite directions. Tip: Ensure these lines are parallel to the outer edges for a clean look.

Step 6: Adding Curvature

Adding curved lines to the ends of the arrows to suggest movement.

Add a vertical line on the bottom strip and three more lines with curves at the ends. Tip: Make sure these curves don't touch the outer outline, as this creates the illusion of overlapping arrows.

Step 7: Creating the Overlap

Erasing overlapping lines to create the appearance of one arrow passing behind another.

Erase a small section of the existing lines on the right, then draw a triangle with four diagonal lines pointing downward. Tip: This is where the 'loop' starts to take shape.

Step 8: Refining the Bottom Arrow

Adding the final arrow segment pointing to the left.

Erase a section of the bottom strip and draw another triangle pointing to the left. Tip: Check that your lines are crisp and clean before moving to the final step.

Step 9: Final Outline

The completed line art of the recycling symbol ready for coloring.

Erase the remaining overlapping lines on the left and sketch the final upward-pointing triangle. Once you are happy with the shape, trace over your pencil lines with a black pen. Tip: Wait for the ink to dry completely before erasing your pencil marks to avoid smudging.

Step 10: Adding Color

The finished, colored recycling symbol with shading and highlights.

Color your symbol using different shades of green. Use a lighter green for the top surfaces and a darker green for the undersides to create a 3D effect. Tip: Add a tiny white highlight on the edges to make it pop!