England introduces local council recycling scheme

As part of England’s Simpler Recycling scheme, local authorities across the country will be required to collect core recyclable waste streams from all households starting on March 31, 2026.

The Simpler Recycling policy was first announced late last year and aims to facilitate the UK government’s circular economy commitments. As part of the update, the government said it will introduce four default waste categories across England: non-recyclables, food, paper, and all other dry recyclables.

Simpler Recycling aims to enable “consistent, more streamlined collections from all households, businesses, and relevant non-domestic premises (such as schools and hospitals).”

These universal collection standards are highlighted as a key aspect of Simpler Recycling England, as citizens will no longer need to check what is accepted for recycling in their local area.

The government indicates that the outlined requirements are not expected to increase in the future, adding that councils and waste collectors have the flexibility to make choices to suit local needs.

As part of Simpler Recycling, businesses and relevant non-domestic premises in England are already required to collect glass, metal, plastic, paper and card, and food waste recyclable waste streams, as of March 31, 2025.

Homogenizing recycling

Before the initial rollout of the scheme this March, the UK-based Business Waste Management told Packaging Insights that the government’s communication about the Simpler Recycling reform has been “slow and inconsistent.”

UK waste collector Biffa told us it has already mobilized “thousands” of trade waste customers in response to the Simpler Recycling regulations. “Our sorting and processing facilities are readying for the mandatory collection of materials from households next year and into 2027.”

Simpler Recycling dictates the introduction of kerbside plastic film collection from households, businesses, and other non-domestic premises by March 31, 2027.