English households will be required to have at least four bins by March 2026 under new government rules. The Simpler Recycling scheme aims to standardise waste collection across England, ending the current 'postcode lottery' where councils collect different materials for recycling.
Under the new rules, every household, including flats, must have separate bins for: general waste, mixed paper and card, mixed plastics, metals and cartons, and glass. Food waste collections will also be mandatory from March 31, 2026, though 31 local authorities with long-term waste disposal contracts have been granted transitional arrangements allowing later implementation.
Plastic film packaging, such as crisp packets and plastic bags, must be included with plastic recycling from March 31, 2027. The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) has outlined items that councils are not required to collect, including non-packaging glass, compostable or biodegradable plastics (except food waste caddy liners), and certain other materials.
Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Nature, Mary Creagh, stated that the government engaged extensively with affected councils and provided transitional arrangements where necessary. She added that Defra will continue working with local authorities to bring forward food waste collections where possible.
Residents are advised to check the Recycle Now website for guidance on the new recycling requirements. The changes are part of the government's broader effort to simplify recycling and reduce waste.
