There will be changes to the way your bins are collected – all you need to know
Changes to the way bins will be collected will into force after the government announce new rules on recycling.
Recycling will become standardised from 2026, so all homes, businesses and schools will have same system, the Department for environment Food and Rural Affairs said.
But what will the changes look like and who will be affected?
What are the changes?
Every county and borough in England will have to recycle the same materials from 2026.
Food waste bins will also 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 yeas.
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 Council’s Network, which represents local authorities, said this would mean people who don’t use the service will subsidise those who do.
They added many councils will not be able to get any new equipment in time to meet the deadlines, and many simply cannot afford it.
Who will be affected?
The new plans are being brought in to simplify recycling in England.
Environment secretary Thérèse Coffey called the current system a ‘postcode lottery’ where people living in different areas are not able to recycle the same materials.
She 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.
‘Alongside weekly food waste collections, we are ending the postcode lottery of what you can put in your bin so that wherever you live in the country, you will be able to recycle the same products with confidence.’
Why are some councils complaining?
The District Council’s 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.’
Defra has been contacted for comment.
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