Defra says simpler bin collections will “reduce confusion”

New simpler recycling collections will see the same materials collected from homes, workplaces and schools, ending what Moore said is a “confusing patchwork” of different approaches across England.

Defra said that having listened to councils, who want to avoid bin-heavy streets while doing right by the local community, that councils will be allowed to collect plastic, metal, glass, paper and card in one bin in all circumstances.

Similarly, food and garden waste will also be allowed to be co-collected under the new approach.

Defra said that will “reduce confusion” over what items can be recycled, as it will no longer be dependent on specific councils, but nationwide.

The scheme hopes the scheme will also reduce complexity for councils and other waste collectors, insisting they “retain the flexibility” to collect recyclable waste in the most appropriate way for their local areas.

Defra also voiced that it is supporting “more frequent and comprehensive” bin collections, with a minimum backstop. This means that councils will be expected to collect black bin waste at least fortnightly, alongside weekly food waste collections.

Patchwork

Moore said: “We all want to do our bit to increase recycling and reduce the amount of waste sent to landfill – but a patchwork of different bin collections across England means it can be hard to know what your council will accept.

“Our plans for Simpler Recycling will end that confusion: ensuring that the same set of materials will be collected regardless of where you live.”

‘A pledge’

Paul Vanston, CEO of the Industry Council for Packaging and the Environment (INCPEN), said: “Householders can take this government announcement as a pledge that, wherever we live across the nation, our local councils will all speedily implement recycling collections of the full range of materials that will match on-pack recycling labels citizens rely on for guidance.

“Those paying the very substantial costs for councils’ local packaging recycling services – especially citizens, brands and retailers – can rightly set high benchmarks of great customer service, superb packaging recycling performance and demonstrable value-for-money being achieved everywhere.”

The plans will apply to all homes in England, including flats. Similar measures will apply to non-household municipal premises, including businesses, hospitals, schools and universities. Places of worship, penal institutes, charity shops, hostels and public meeting places will also come under the scope of the Simpler Recycling regulations.