The way bins are collected in England will change in 2026 after new rules on recycling were announced by the government.
Recycling will become standardised from 2026 so all homes, businesses and schools have same system, the Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs has said.
The new year will see these rules on bin collection, which is run by local councils, come into force.
But what will the changes look like and who will be affected?
What are England’s bin collection changes?
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Every county and borough in England will have to recycle the same materials from 2026.
From March 31 next year, the new ‘Simpler Recycling’ rules mean all local councils must collect four different types of waste separately: residual waste, food waste – which can be mixed with garden waste, paper and card as well as dry recyclable materials.
It also means food waste bins will need to be collected at least once a week to reduce the amount going into landfill.
The current recycling rates in England have remained at around 44% for the last 10 years.
The government is also pushing for non-hazardous industrial waste to be collected every fortnight, and for every home in England to be offered free garden waste collections.
But the District Councils’ Network, which represents local authorities, said this would mean people who don’t use the service will be subsidising those who do.
It added that many councils will not be able to get any new equipment in time to meet the deadlines, and many simply cannot afford it.
Many households will not see change, however, where councils are already following Simple Recycling guidelines.
Who will be affected?
The new plans are being brought in to simplify recycling in England.
Previously the current system has been called a ‘postcode lottery’ by environment secretary Thérèse Coffey as people living in different areas cannot recycle the same materials.
The rest of the UK is not included in the changes as waste management is devolved for the governments of Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
Scotland has had strict rules on businesses separating recycling categories since 2014, while in Wales it became law in 2024 for organisations to sort their waste for recycling.
What are the rules for my bin collection?
The day for bin collection and rules on waste categories will depend on where you live – and specifically which local council runs collection.
You can find out when your rubbish will be collection through the GOV.UK website here.
Enter your postcode, and you will be redirected to the relevant council that will have information on local bin collection.
Dates for collection should be more streamlined under new 2026 rules and simpler recycling comes into place on March 31, 2026.
Why are some councils complaining?
The District Councils’ Network has expressed concerns over the possibility of meeting the 2026 deadline, as many local authorities cannot afford the new equipment required.
Sarah Nelmes, the network’s environment spokesperson, said the news plans are ‘a victory for common sense’ – but council’s need to be spared the costs.
‘District councils are committed to collecting and recycling waste in the most environmentally friendly way possible – but this differs from place to place, with local expertise required to devise plans that work for each community,’ she said.
Darren Rodwell, environment spokesperson for the LGA, said: ‘Public satisfaction with local waste services remains very high, which councils have worked hard to achieve.
‘Our national ambitions for waste and recycling will only be achieved by fully empowered local delivery, alongside measures transferring the costs from taxpayers onto the waste producers.’
A Defra spokesperson said: ‘Simpler recycling will help us all recycle more easily, doing our bit to help save the planet and make the best use of precious resources that we use every day.
‘Food waste collections are key to increasing our recycling rates and we are providing £295 million of capital funding which will allow local authorities in England to prepare for free separate food waste collections. We will be working closely with local authorities to support them in making these changes.’
Steve Cole, managing director of Biffa Municipal, also said: ‘For too long, households have struggled with a muddled and confusing patchwork of approaches to their bin collections. Simpler Recycling will make recycling easier and more consistent by ensuring everyone can recycle the same materials, no matter where they live.’
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