Monday 23 October 2023

UK unveils recycling and waste regulation reforms

The UK Government has announced reforms aimed at simplifying recycling collections and strengthening waste regulation to enhance recycling rates.

These measures include a more consistent approach to recycling across England, with identical recycling options for homes, workplaces and schools.

By 2026, the government plans to implement weekly collections of food waste for most households in England, eliminating the issue of smelly waste left uncollected for extended periods.

This move also prevents the trend of three- or four-weekly bin collections, which some local authorities have adopted.

To streamline recycling further, the government proposes exemptions that allow waste collectors to combine dry recyclables in the same bin or bag and collect organic waste together, reducing the number of bins required.

This approach ensures households won't need excessive bins, providing a more convenient system for councils to manage while ensuring the collection of essential recyclable waste streams.

The reforms will also support manufacturers in designing packaging that can be recycled nationwide.

Environment Secretary Therese Coffey said: Simpler recycling will help us all recycle more easily, doing our bit to help save the planet and make the best use of precious resources that we use every day.

"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."

Steve Molyneux, Deputy Director of Waste Regulation at the Environment Agency, said: "Inappropriately managed waste can have a terrible impact on local communities and nature and undermines investment in the UK by responsible businesses."