Simpler recycling is a national scheme that covers all of England.
The aim is to simplify and standardise the materials we all recycle. This includes what you recycle in your home and your workplace.
The changes will affect you, whether you live in a house or a flat.
What simpler recycling involves
All English councils have to provide different types of recycling collections from specific dates.
From 31 March 2026
From 31 March 2026, all councils have to provide recycling collections for:
- glass (bottles and jars)
- paper
- card
- metals (food and drinks containers, empty aerosols, clean foil)
- plastics (bottles, tubs, pots and trays)
- food waste
From 31 March 2027
From 31 March 2027, all councils have to provide recycling collections for plastic film, including packaging and plastic bags.
Recycling collection changes
We already collect the materials required by simpler recycling apart from food waste.
General recycling collections will continue unchanged with collections taking place every two weeks.
Glass recycling collections will change from every four weeks to every two weeks, from 31 March 2026. From this date we will also provide glass collections for all residents, whether you live in a house or a flat.
Food waste collections
Collection of food waste will be introduced from 31 March 2026. This will be for all households including houses and flats.