The government announces new recycling rules but critics say the system is 'fundamentally broken'.
Most households will have a weekly food waste collection by early 2026 and there will now be a standardised list of items that councils must recycle.
"Alongside weekly food waste collections, we are ending the postcode lottery of what you can put in your bin so that wherever you live in the country, you will be able to recycle the same products with confidence."England currently recycles about 44% of its household waste, a figure that has changed little since 2010. That's compared to 57% in Wales, 48% in Northern Ireland and 42% in Scotland.
There was speculation earlier this year that these reforms would stipulate that different types of dry recycling would have to be collected separately from households. Last month Prime Minister Rishi Sunak even raised the possibility - to some derision - that a "seven bin" policy was being considered and that he had stopped it.
"Today's announcement that councils will be able to collect waste materials however they decide is a victory for common sense," said Councillor Sarah Nelmes, environment spokesperson for the District Council's Network. "We can continue to rely on the local solutions which have increased recycling rates."
United Kingdom Latest News, United Kingdom Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Recycling in England to be standardised from 2026, Government saysLocal councils have warned that the changes will lead to higher costs but are glad they will be able to decide how to collect their own waste.
Read more »
Recycling in England to be standardised from 2026, Government saysLocal councils have warned that the changes will lead to higher costs but are glad they will be able to decide how to collect their own waste.
Read more »
South Kesteven: Household paper recycling scheme set to startThe new purple-lidded bins are being introduced in an effort to reduce waste, a council says.
Read more »
Sainsbury's to scrap all customer recycling centresThe supermarket has confirmed the bins will vanish from all store carparks, despite a commitment to make recycling easier for customers.
Read more »
Sainsbury's permanently closes recycling centre after overflow issuesThe supermarket said it was to avoid duplicating recycling services offered by local councils
Read more »
Sainsbury's permanently closes recycling centre after overflow issuesThe supermarket said it was to avoid duplicating recycling services offered by local councils
Read more »