Major recycling overhaul coming in 2026 – all you need to know | Devon LiveNeed to knowIt aims to eliminate confusion
Waste and recycling containers(Image: North Somerset Council )The government is introducing a major “Simpler Recycling” overhaul to standardise waste collection across England next year and eliminate confusion over local rules. Here’s all you need to knowFour-Bin Minimum: By March 31, 2026, most households in England will be required to use at least four separate bins to standardise waste collection and end the “postcode lottery” of varying local rules.Standardised Waste Categories: The new system mandates separate containers for food waste, paper and card, “dry” recyclables (plastic, metal, and glass), and residual (non-recyclable) waste.Food Waste Deadline: All local authorities must implement weekly food waste collections by March 2026, though 31 specific councils have been granted extensions due to existing long-term disposal contracts.Expansion of Plastic Recycling: Starting March 31, 2027, the rules will expand to include the collection of plastic film packaging, such as crisp packets and plastic bags, alongside standard plastic recycling.Specific Glass Restrictions: Under the new guidelines, councils are not required to collect non-packaging glass, meaning items like mirrors, light bulbs, Pyrex cookware, and drinking glasses should not be put in recycling bins.Paper and Garden Waste Limits: Certain items remain excluded from standard collections, including shredded paper, nappies, pet bedding, and “compostable” coffee pods, which councils are not obligated to process.Unified National Approach: The government’s “Simpler Recycling” project aims to make it easier for people to know what can be recycled regardless of where they live in the country.Nothing is changing in Plymouth: Recycling in Plymouth will remain one of the simplest in the country according to the council with everything going in one bin.Follow Devon Live:
‌
‌
At Reach and across our entities we and our partners use information collected through cookies and other identifiers from your device to improve experience on our site, analyse how it is used and to show personalised advertising. You can opt out of the sale or sharing of your data, at any time clicking the “Do Not Sell or Share my Data” button at the bottom of the webpage. Please note that your preferences are browser specific. Use of our website and any of our services represents your acceptance of the use of cookies and consent to the practices described in our Privacy Notice and Terms and Conditions.
Accept