Date is set for new recycling rules that affect every home

STANDARDISED REGULATIONS WILL IMPACT HOUSEHOLDS, SCHOOLS AND BUSINESSES

- By BEN HURST, CAIT FINDLAY

THE Government has set a date for the implementation of new recycling regulations that will impact every household in England.

The proposals require local councils to roll out weekly food waste collections for the majority of residences.

The Simpler Recycling scheme aims to standardise recycling rules across England, at home, work and school.

The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) has declared that by March 31, 2026, local authorities will be required to collect core recyclable waste streams from all households in England.

That translates to the average household having a minimum of five recycling bins or containers designated for food waste, plastics, paper and cardboard, green waste and plastic films.

Plastic film collections involve the recycling of soft, flexible plastic packaging such as bags, wrappers, and pouches, which are then repurposed into new products.

The plans also include the launch of weekly food waste collections for most homes, unless their councils have a transitional arrangement in place, permitting them a later start date as per legislation.

Kerbside plastic film collections from workplaces and households are also slated to be introduced by March 31, 2027.

Workplaces with a headcount of less than 10 have been granted until March 31, 2027 to get their core waste streams recycling in order.

When combined with extended producer responsibility for packaging and the deposit return scheme for drinks containers, the Simpler Recycling initiative in England is expected to deliver greenhouse gas emissions savings equivalent to £11.8 billion.