New rules that are expected to make recycling simpler for consumers across England have come into force.
Households will now have a maximum of four collections: food and garden waste, paper and card, dry recyclable materials like glass and plastic and residual waste, i.e. non-recyclable waste that is sent to landfill.
The UK Government believes its Simpler Recycling scheme ends “years of confusion” over what goes in which bin and boost recycling rates whilst cutting the amount of waste sent to landfill or incineration.
This will help reduce carbon emissions, cut environmental and societal impacts from waste disposal and support the growth of the UK’s reprocessing industry.
In addition, it will hugely contribute towards meeting the UK’s ambition to recycle 65% of municipal waste by 2035 and deliver greenhouse gas emissions savings equivalent to £11.8 billion.
To support some local authorities with area-specific delivery challenges, the government is providing additional support, such as allowing later implementation dates.
Circular Economy Minister Mary Creagh said: “We are ending the bin collections postcode lottery and making it easier for people to recycle wherever they live.
“Simplifying these rules will cut out carbon, clean up our streets and help bring pride back into our communities.
“We will continue to work hand-in-hand with local areas to deliver these changes and ensure there’s more recycled content in the products we buy.”
The government has provided more than £78 billion to councils in England this year, which includes funding to roll out weekly food waste collections for all households.
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