The rules around recycling in England are changing, with the government’s new Simpler Recycling rules set to come into force in March this year.
One of the key parts of Simpler Recycling, which comes into force for households on 31 March 2026 in England, with similar regulations due in Scotland and Wales, is that every council now has to recycle the same products.
Previously, councils were free to set their own rules, leading to a confusing ‘postcode lottery’ where some areas recycled some items and others did not.
But from April, all areas will recycle the same products – and that means that everyday items which were previously not recycled in many areas will soon be recycled everywhere.
Adam Herriott, senior specialist at sustainability organisation WRAP, told Yahoo News: “Under Simpler Recycling, all local authorities in England will collect the same core set of materials, including plastic packaging.
“This consistency means people will have a much clearer understanding of what can and can’t be recycled, wherever they live.
“It will also give recyclers access to larger, more reliable streams of high‑quality material, helping build stronger UK recycling infrastructure over time and increasing the likelihood that plastics are recycled here at home.”
Toothpaste tubes
Many people throw toothpaste tubes in with the general recycling, but they are not currently recycled in kerbside collections anywhere in Britain.
The reason is that previously the tubes were made of a composite material with aluminium foil and plastic – but manufacturers have been preparing for Simpler Recycling by creating plastic-only versions which can be recycled.
Today, 90% of tubes are made of high-density polyethylene (HDPE), the same material used in plastic bottles.
The new tubes will be recyclable, and will be collected in every English council area.
Cartons
Cartons, including Tetra-Pak ones, have historically not been recycled in many areas of England.
The reason is that cartons have been difficult to recycle because they contain layers of different materials (paper, plastic, foil).
Cartons were previously not recycled in many areas.
(Wirestock via Getty Images)
But manufacturer’s associations have been working in advance of Simpler Recycling to ensure facilities can deal with cartons.
Pots, tubs and trays
Plastic trays such as those used for takeaways are not commonly recycled.
(Sammyvision via Getty Images)
The fact that containers like yogurt pots and ready-meal trays are relatively rarely recycled might come as a surprise.
A 2018 report by the Local Government Association (LGA) found that just one-third of pots, tubs and trays were able to be recycled.
This was due to the mixture of plastics used in their construction, but from March this year, all councils will collect pots, tubs and trays at the kerbside.