Simpler Recycling comes into force

Simpler Recycling has come into effect for households across England.

It is hoped the scheme will boost recycling rates and cut the amount of waste sent to landfill or incineration.

Simpler Recycling should enable consistent and streamlined collections.

Waste collectors must now collect the following types of waste separately: food and garden waste; paper and card; all other dry recyclable materials (glass, metal and plastic, including cartons); and residual waste (non-recyclable waste that is sent for energy recovery or to landfill).

Simpler Recycling is designed to reduce carbon emissions, cut environmental and societal impacts from waste disposal, and support the growth of the UK’s reprocessing industry.

Circular Economy Minister Mary Creagh said: "We are ending the bin collections postcode lottery and making it easier for people to recycle wherever they live. 

"Simplifying these rules will cut out carbon, clean up our streets, and help bring pride back into our communities. 

"We will continue to work hand-in-hand with local areas to deliver these changes and ensure there’s more recycled content in the products we buy."

Claire Shrewsbury, Director Insights and Innovation at climate action NGO WRAP said: "Simpler Recycling is the biggest shakeup in recycling policy in England in twenty years. Now, wherever you are you’ll have the same service at home, at work, and when out and about.

"We’re a nation of recyclers, but most households put two or more items in the rubbish each week that could be recycled - because of confusion. Making recycling simpler will help end this and if we all recycled one more trigger spray each week, we’d save enough energy to power every home in Birmingham for a year.

"Food waste is where we’ll see the big win. It’s difficult to prevent all food waste and so recycling one kitchen caddy of unavoidable food waste could power your fridge for 18 hours, and a whole truck would keep that fridge cool for five years. Recycling is good for the environment and the economy, and Simpler Recycling will make things easier for all of us as well."