Previously, councils were free to set their own rules<\/a>, leading to a confusing \u2018postcode lottery\u2019 where some areas recycled some items and others did not.<\/p>\n But in the coming weeks all areas will recycle the same products \u2013 and that means that everyday items which were previously not recycled in many areas will soon be recycled everywhere.<\/p>\n The new default requirement for most households and workplaces will be four containers for:<\/p>\n residual (non-recyclable) waste<\/p>\n food waste (mixed with garden waste if appropriate)<\/p>\n all other dry recyclable materials (plastic, metal and glass)<\/p>\n Adam Herriott, senior specialist at sustainability organisation WRAP, told Yahoo News: \u201cUnder Simpler Recycling, all local authorities in England will collect the same core set of materials, including plastic packaging.<\/p>\n \u201cThis consistency means people will have a much clearer understanding of what can and can\u2019t be recycled, wherever they live.<\/p>\n “It will also give recyclers access to larger, more reliable streams of high\u2011quality material, helping build stronger UK recycling infrastructure over time and increasing the likelihood that plastics are recycled here at home.\u201d<\/p>\n The changes will mean a handful of common products that once would have been despatched in the bin, will instead be able to be recycled.<\/p>\n 1. Toothpaste tubes<\/p>\n Many people throw toothpaste tubes in with the general recycling, but they are not currently recycled in kerbside collections anywhere in Britain<\/a>.<\/p>\n The reason is that previously the tubes were made of a composite material with aluminium foil and plastic \u2013 but manufacturers have been preparing for Simpler Recycling by creating plastic-only versions which can be recycled.<\/p>\n Today, 90% of tubes are made of high-density polyethylene (HDPE), the same material used in plastic bottles.<\/p>\n The new tubes will be recyclable, and will be collected in every English council area.<\/p>\n 2. Cartons<\/p>\n Cartons, including Tetra-Pak ones, have historically not been recycled<\/a> in many areas of England.<\/p>\n The reason is that cartons have been difficult to recycle because they contain layers of different materials (paper, plastic, foil).<\/p>\n Cartons were previously not recycled in many areas.<\/p>\n (Wirestock via Getty Images)<\/p>\n But manufacturer\u2019s associations have been working in advance of Simpler Recycling to ensure facilities can deal with cartons.<\/p>\n 3. Pots, tubs and trays Plastic trays such as those used for takeaways are not commonly recycled.<\/p>\n (Sammyvision via Getty Images)<\/p>\n The fact that containers like yogurt pots and ready-meal trays are relatively rarely recycled<\/a> might come as a surprise.<\/p>\n![\"Previously](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/6a857f20-01b8-11f1-bcf4-079369200aed.jpeg\"\/)
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