New bin collection rules are set to be implemented in England from March next year, according to the Labour Party government. The government claims it has “inherited legislation that could have required households to have up to 7 bins, placing an unnecessary burden on people and businesses.”
In a bid to simplify recycling and stimulate growth while maximising environmental benefits, the rules are being streamlined.
A policy update from the Labour Party government reads: “For too long, households in England have been presented with a muddled and confusing patchwork of approaches to bin collections”. Under the new rules, most households and workplaces will be required to have 4 containers for residual (non-recyclable) waste, food waste (which can be mixed with garden waste if appropriate), paper and card, and all other dry recyclable materials (plastic, metal and glass).
These can take the form of various container types, including bags, bins or stackable boxes. The government stated: “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.”
The newly announced Simpler Recycling initiative is set to harmonise England’s recycling system, putting an end to the inconsistent bin collection practices that have long plagued householders. “Simpler Recycling will also end the ‘postcode lottery’ of bin collections in England whereby councils collect different materials for recycling, causing confusion for households. We will maintain flexibility for local authorities to deliver these changes in the most appropriate way for their area.”, reports Birmingham Live.
Additionally, as part of the plans, businesses and other non-domestic sites must arrange core recyclable waste collections, specifically glass, metal, plastic, paper and card, and food waste, by 31 March 2025, with the exception of garden waste.