The new rules include a new weekly separate collection for food waste from households, which will be implemented in 2026.
Exact date new bin rules in England start with every household given four containers
The exact date new bin rules start in England with all households set for four containers has been revealed. The new rules include a new weekly separate collection for food waste from households, which will be implemented in 2026.
The changes are due to begin from April 1 next year.New default bin requirements for households and workplaces will be separate containers for resident (non-recyclable) waste, food waste (mixed with garden waste if appropriate), paper and car, and all other dry recyclable materials (plastic, metal and glass).
Containers may vary from bags, bins or stack-able boxes. A statement from the government’s ‘Simpler Recycling’ strategy writes: “Councils and other waste collectors will still have the flexibility to make the best choices to suit local need.
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“This is a sensible, pragmatic approach to the collection of materials for every household and business in England. We will make recycling easier: citizens will be able to recycle the same materials across England whether at home, work or school, and will no longer need to check what is accepted for recycling in their local area.
“A universal standard will ensure that everything that can be collected for household recycling is collected in every region.” There are additional plans from the government to introduce kerbside plastic film collections by March 31, 2027.
These reforms will reduce confusion, ending the ‘postcode lottery’ of bin collections, which will help ensure the correct materials are captured for recycling, the Labour Party government has said.
This will improve recycling rates – household recycling rates in England have flatlined at around 44 per cent to 45 per cent since 2015.
By 31 March 2026, local authorities will be required to collect the core recyclable waste streams from all households in England. This includes introducing weekly food waste collections for most homes, unless a transitional arrangement applies.
By 31 March 2027, kerbside plastic film collections from businesses and relevant non-domestic premises, and households will be introduced.
The government said: “We will continue to work closely with local authorities, businesses, relevant non-domestic premises, the waste industry and producers to support implementation.”