The UK Government has announced new changes to bin collection in England that will begin on March 31.
Anyone living in England should be aware that rubbish collection methods are set to change in order to simplify the process. The UK Government has introduced the “Simpler Recycling” initiative, which will require councils to collect certain categories of waste separately in different bins.
Under these new arrangements, English households will receive four separate containers, each designated for different types of waste and recycling. Simpler Recycling is being brought in to replace the current ‘postcode lottery’ system, where English councils collect different materials for recycling, creating a “muddled and confusing patchwork of approaches to bin collections.”
The scheme will take effect at the end of the month on Tuesday, March 31, 2026 and will be implemented throughout the rest of the year.
What are the new categories of waste containers?
Dry mixed recycling
Mixed recycling will encompass dry materials such as glass, tinned cans, kitchen foil, plastic drink bottles, yoghurt pots and other cartons.
Paper and cardboard
Most paper materials will be accepted provided they are not covered in glitter, food residue, or other sticky substances.
However, books, wallpaper, padded envelopes, and tin foil will not be permitted in this container for recycling.
Food waste
Food waste will be collected weekly, and some councils may require garden waste to be placed in the same container.
Items that can be placed in this container includes pet food, eggshells, teabags and meat. However, liquids such as cooking oils, fats, gravies or soup should not be placed in this container.
General waste
Items that don’t fall into the first three categories should be disposed of in the residual waste container, from where they will be sent for energy recovery or to landfill.
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