There has been major changes to bin collections
Households across England have been warned not to fall foul of new bin regulations as significant changes to recycling take effect. If you ignore the latest guidance, your bin collection may be refused.
The UK’s Simpler Recycling reforms, introduced under the Environment Act 2021, have made mandatory and consistent recycling compulsory for businesses and households across England. This means there are now separate collections for food waste, paper and card, glass, metal and plastic.
Local authorities must provide clear guidance about what can and cannot be recycled, with certain councils exempt from the new regulations until at least 2040. It is crucial to check with your local authority whether these new rules are applicable.
Councils have the authority to determine how they collect metal, glass and plastic. The government is urging local councils to collect metal lids and caps alongside the jars to which they belong.
The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs’ guidance states: “Metal lids and caps on glass containers (for example, metal jam jar lids) can be left on and recycled with glass.
“Putting the lids or caps back on glass jars and bottles and recycling them with glass reduces the chance of them getting lost through the sorting process.”
Households should put lids or caps on jars or bottles when placing them in the recycling bin. Always ensure you rinse and clean out any food or liquid before recycling.
Recycle Now has also provided advice regarding the recycling of glass. The organisation said: “Empty and give a quick rinse. Leftover liquid can contaminate other recyclables which may mean they aren’t recycled.
“Put lids and caps back on. This reduces the chance of them getting lost during the sorting process as they can be recycled separately.”
Corks must be taken out of bottles prior to recycling, though these can be composted at home. Should you choose to dispose of your glass at a bottle bank, blue glass can be placed alongside green glass.
The updated bin regulations have also brought about changes regarding which bathroom items are and aren’t suitable for recycling. Always check with your local council whether the rule is applicable in your area.
The most recent guidelines indicate that councils are not obliged to recycle absorbent hygiene products such as nappies, period products and incontinence products.
Cotton wool and makeup pads are not recyclable, nor are tissues or wet wipes.
Toilet paper should only be flushed down the toilet, while mirrors cannot be recycled at home and should therefore be taken to a recycling centre.
