Posted: 09/04/2026

Simpler Recycling Legislation Begins for Households Across England

Households across England will now benefit from clearer and more consistent recycling rules as the Government’s new Simpler Recycling scheme officially came into force on 31 March 2026.

The scheme ensures all waste collectors provide a standardised approach to household recycling nationwide, aiming to boost recycling rates, reduce waste sent to landfill, and support the shift toward a more circular economy.

Under the new requirements, waste collectors must now separately collect the following materials from households:

Food and garden waste
Paper and card (local authorities will retain flexibility to collect paper and card with other dry recyclables where appropriate)
Dry recyclables (glass, metal, plastic including cartons)
Residual waste (non-recyclable waste sent for energy recovery or landfill)

Defra states the rollout marks the biggest reform to England’s recycling system in two decades and represents a crucial step toward achieving the national ambition to recycle 65% of municipal waste by 2035. Supported by more than £78 billion in funding for councils this year, including dedicated support for weekly food waste collections, and an additional £340 million to help authorities prepare for the new system, the programme ensures that communities are equipped to deliver these improvements effectively.

The shift is expected to deliver wide ranging environmental, economic, and societal benefits. These include the potential to use recycled food waste to help power homes and expand the United Kingdom’s capacity to manufacture products using recycled materials.