Simpler recycling rules introduced by government

Households in England will be able to put recyclables in one bin under simpler collection rules, the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs has said.

They called it a "new, common-sense approach to recycling" that will make bin day easier.

The government said the same materials would be collected from homes, workplaces and schools across the country after apparent confusion caused by councils operating different systems.

Recycling minister Robbie Moore said: "We all want to do our bit to increase recycling and reduce the amount of waste sent to landfill – but a patchwork of different bin collections across England means it can be hard to know what your council will accept."

He said the government's plans for simpler recycling will end that confusion: ensuring that the same set of materials will be collected regardless of where you live.

People will be able to put plastic, metal, glass, paper and card in one bin. Similarly, food and garden waste will also be allowed to be co-collected.

Also, the government said they are supporting more frequent and comprehensive bin collections. 

A minimum backstop means councils will be expected to collect black bin waste at least fortnightly, alongside weekly food waste collections. 

Councils are also being actively encouraged to make collections even more frequent, to prevent waste from building up outside homes.

Paul Vanston, CEO of the Industry Council for Packaging and the Environment, said: "Householders can take this government announcement as a pledge that, wherever we live across the nation, our local councils will all speedily implement recycling collections of the full range of materials that will match on-pack recycling labels citizens rely on for guidance."