England to streamline waste collection with "Simpler Recycling" policy

Image of Municipal collections in residential community credit Biffa
Sustainability

England is set to introduce the "Simpler Recycling" policy, aiming to unify waste collection systems across households, businesses, and public institutions such as schools and hospitals.

The initiative seeks to eliminate regional disparities in recycling practices, addressing the long-standing "postcode lottery" that has led to inconsistencies and confusion.

Under the new framework, all households and workplaces will sort waste into four standard categories: non-recyclable waste, food waste (potentially mixed with garden waste), paper and card, and a combined category for plastic, metal, and glass recyclables. These materials will be collected in various containers like bins, bags, or stackable boxes.

Businesses and non-domestic premises will need to arrange for the collection of recyclable streams, including glass, metal, plastic, paper, card, and food waste, by March 2025, although small businesses with fewer than ten employees are exempt until 2027. For households, local authorities are set to implement the changes by March 2026.

Image of Municipal collections in residential community © Biffa

The government plans to formalise the policy through secondary legislation expected this December, further supporting its drive toward a circular economy by reducing waste and increasing recycling rates.

Latest Packaging News

Clean Cult launches refillable cartons and aluminium bottles at Whole Foods
Sustainability

Clean Cult launches refillable cartons and aluminium bottles at Whole Foods

Sustainable home care brand Clean Cult has launched a new range of packaging at Whole Foods Market...
Retailer replaces plastic with cardboard punnets for Belgian strawberries
Sustainability

Retailer replaces plastic with cardboard punnets for Belgian strawberries

Belgian retailer Delhaize has begun using cardboard punnets for its locally grown strawberries,...
Interroll: How to minimise unplanned downtime in your food packaging line
Supplier News

Interroll: How to minimise unplanned downtime in your food packaging line

Unplanned downtime in food packaging lines can be a significant drain on productivity and...
Fenix Industries: Molded pulp packaging – the ultimate guide (2025 edition)
Supplier News

Fenix Industries: Molded pulp packaging – the ultimate guide (2025 edition)

Everything brands, packaging buyers, and sustainability managers need to know. What is molded pulp...
Survey finds growing consumer resistance to unsustainable packaging in North America
Sustainability

Survey finds growing consumer resistance to unsustainable packaging in North America

A growing number of shoppers across the United States and Canada are rejecting plastic packaging in...