New simpler recycling regulations are reforms being introduced by the Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (Defra) across the UK. Their purpose is to simplify and standardise household bin collections and commercial waste management, so every local council and authority follows the same processes.
There are differences in how bin collections work across England. For example, most households in York have three recycling boxes with lids, homes in Leeds have one green bin for recycling, while Bradford households have a grey bin for domestic recycling. The types of recyclable rubbish you can put in each one vary too.
The UK government recently announced a policy update for the simpler recycling regulations that come into force from the start of April 2025. Discover how Defra’s simpler recycling scheme will affect businesses and households and how you should prepare.
How will simpler recycling work
for households?
The main change for households under the simpler recycling regulations is that it should remove the postcode lottery for bin collections. This means that eventually, all homes in England should be able to recycle the same materials in their domestic recycling bins, wherever they are in the country.
Most households in England (including flats) will have four default containers (which could be bins, bags, or stackable boxes) for:
- General waste (residual non-recyclable waste)
- Food waste (mixed with garden waste if appropriate)
- Paper and cardboard recycling
- Other dry recyclable materials (plastic, metal, and glass)
There will not be seven bins per household as once mentioned. Local authorities will have flexibility to deliver the changes under the simpler recycling scheme in the most appropriate way for their area. The changes are to help improve domestic recycling rates in England that have started to stagnate.
General waste bin collections will continue at least once a fortnight, while charges may apply for garden waste collections, depending on the local authority. Local authorities must collect core recyclable waste streams and introduce weekly food waste collections from households by 31 March 2026.
What does simpler recycling
mean for businesses?
Defra’s simpler recycling plans also apply to businesses in England. This includes all ‘non-household municipal premises in England’ such as schools, churches, and hospitals. Businesses will have to use different containers and organise separate waste collections for:
- General waste
- Food waste (mixed with garden waste if appropriate)
- Paper and cardboard (can be together)
- Other dry recyclables (glass, plastic, and metal – can be together)
This means businesses won’t be able to throw all their rubbish in one general waste bin, which should help improve recycling rates. It’s a similar model adopted by Wales. Companies can use dry mixed recycling bins to combine plastic and metal packaging but will require separate bins for paper and cardboard.
Rather than relying on local councils and authorities, businesses will need to work with their current or new licensed waste management collectors to comply with the new rules. It’s vital you have the right types, sizes, and number of bins in place before the simpler recycling rules are in place to avoid any potential fines or penalties.
When will simpler recycling changes start?
The deadline for local authorities to provide domestic food waste and the expanded recycling collections in England is the end of March 2026. However, some councils are already making changes to their bin collections in preparation for the new simpler recycling rules.
In Leeds, homes will be able to recycle glass bottles and jars in their domestic green bins from the 1st of August 2024. This should hopefully significantly reduce half of all glass bottles and jars that are thrown away in domestic general waste bins in Leeds that are then incinerated.
The City of York Council is also introducing a green bin charging scheme for domestic garden waste from the 8th of August 2024. Around 66,000 properties across the city receive green bin collections for garden waste and should receive information packs about the charges and changes. Collections of black bins and recycling boxes remain free and unchanged.
Important simpler recycling dates
Councils and local authorities across England are changing their bin collections at different stages to prepare for the simpler recycling timeline. There are three main deadlines that businesses and households must meet. These are the key simpler recycling dates for homes and businesses in England:
- 31 March 2025 – businesses with ten or more full-time employees and relevant non-domestic properties must arrange separate collections of food waste, paper and cardboard recycling, and other dry recyclables (glass, plastic, and metal). Garden waste is exempt at this stage.
- 31 March 2026 – local authorities must provide weekly food waste collections from all households in their area (unless a transitional arrangement is in place) as well as collections of core recycling (paper and cardboard, other dry recyclables).
- 31 March 2027 – micro-firms (companies with fewer than 10 employees) must meet the new simpler recycling scheme. Plastic film will also be collected as part of plastic recycling from homes and businesses.
Will the new government affect
Defra’s simpler recycling scheme?
Summer’s general election in the UK saw a change in government. Steve Reed was appointed Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs on 5th July 2024. The new government published a simpler recycling policy update on 29th November 2024, which you can read in full online.
Comply with simpler recycling
changes with Divert
If you run a business, then now is the time to ensure you’re ready to meet the new simpler recycling regulations. At Divert we’re here to help whether you’re an existing customer or just looking for some expert advice. Our friendly team can listen to your needs and advise on how to get your company ready for simpler recycling.
We can provide free bins to separate waste types and comply with the new simpler recycling regulations. There are no bin hire or delivery fees, you only pay for collection. Choose from a wide range of bin types and sizes to manage general waste, food waste, paper and cardboard, dry mixed recycling, and garden waste efficiently.
Arrange regular and reliable collections before the deadline at the end of March 2025. We’ll ensure everything is in place, so your company complies with the new simpler recycling regulations an avoids any potential fines and penalties. Get a free quote and find out more today – contact us online or call 0333 444 0118.
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