Simpler Recycling rules that mandate the separate collection of different waste streams have come into force for households across England.
Local authorities in England are now required to collect several different types of waste separately from households, including:
- food and garden waste.
- paper and card.
- all other dry recyclable materials (glass, metal and plastic, including cartons).
- residual waste (non-recyclable waste that is sent for energy recovery or to landfill).
However, not every household in England will receive separate food waste collections as over a quarter of councils have missed the 31 March deadline.
As first reported by the BBC, 79 councils across England said they would not meet the deadline. The government has agreed transitional arrangements with some local authorities, allowing them to implement food waste collections later in the year.
Councils have received £78 billion from the Department for Environment, Food, and Rural Affairs (Defra) this year as part of funding to roll out weekly food waste collections.
As part Simpler Recycling, which the government calls ‘integral’ to a circular economy, households will have a maximum of four waste collections, with paper and card allowed to be collected alongside other dry recyclable materials in certain circumstances.
Circular Economy Minister Mary Creagh commented: “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.”
In January, Defra pushed back against ‘completely false’ media reports that households could face £400 fines for recycling 37 ‘prohibited’ items as part of Simpler Recycling reforms.
The Chartered Institution of Wastes Management (CIWM) has partnered with Defra to support the implementation of Simpler Recycling in England through the newly established Change Network, which is hosted on Circular Online.