From March 31, 2026, all local authorities in England must introduce consistent recycling collections for glass, metal, plastic, paper, card, and weekly food waste. This means most households will have four separate bins for different types of waste, ending the current 'postcode lottery' of recycling services.
Speaking on BBC Morning Live, lawyer Gary Rycroft explained that the new rules apply only in England. 'The government has imposed new rules to say that people should have four different types of waste,' he said. 'You're going to have to separate your waste into things that can't be recycled, food waste, paper and card, and other dry recycling—glass, plastic, and tin.'
Rycroft noted that some councils, such as Lancaster, have already started distributing new bins, which he described as causing 'a bit of a hazard' on pavements for people with prams. He emphasised that while the policy is positive for recycling, residents must check with their local council for specific rules on bin usage, including when to put bins out and how to avoid overfilling.
Failure to sort waste correctly could lead to fixed penalty notices of up to £400. Items that cannot be placed in recycling bins include glass, certain metals like pots and pans, wet wipes, and some 'biodegradable' food items. Small businesses with fewer than 10 employees have until March 31, 2027, to comply.
