Overview
- From March 31, 2026, all households in England must separate waste into four streams: residual waste, food waste, paper and card, and mixed dry recyclables such as plastic, metal and glass.
- DEFRA says the Simpler Recycling policy will create a universal standard across England to end the current postcode lottery of differing local rules.
- Government guidance lists items that must not go in household recycling, including non‑packaging glass like drinking glasses and Pyrex, laminated foil pouches, bulky rigid plastics, electricals and batteries, absorbent hygiene products, wet wipes and certain composite cartons.
- Officials and legal commentators note fines reported up to £400 stem from local enforcement of bin‑use rules, so residents should follow specific instructions from their council.
- Most homes will receive a kitchen caddy and external food bin for weekly collections, with kerbside plastic film collections and micro‑business compliance phased in by March 31, 2027.