A major overhaul of England’s waste system comes into force today, as the Government’s ‘Simpler Recycling’ scheme mandates consistent collection rules across all local authorities.

The new regulations aim to end years of confusion by ensuring every household, school, and hospital can recycle the same core materials: glass, metal, plastic, paper, and card.

Crucially, the reforms introduce mandatory weekly food waste collections, designed to divert organic matter from landfills where it produces harmful methane.

Circular Economy Minister Mary Creagh said the aim of the reforms is to end the bin collections ‘postcode lottery’.

They will also help meet the ambition to recycle 65% of municipal waste by 2035, and deliver greenhouse gas emissions savings equivalent to £11.8bn.

While the Government has provided £340m to support the rollout, some local authorities have been granted transitional arrangements to delay implementation due to local challenges.

‘Simplifying these rules will cut out carbon, clean up our streets, and help bring pride back into our communities,’ Creagh said.

‘We will continue to work hand-in-hand with local areas?to deliver these changes and ensure there’s more recycled content in the products we buy.’

Pascal Hauret, Veolia UK Managing Director, Municipal, welcomed the move as a ‘great step forward’. However, he added that there needs to be more investment in ‘critical national recycling infrastructure’.

Carla Brian, Biffa’s Director of Public Affairs & Partnerships, added: ‘This single system across England will play a key role in delivering a circular economy, helping to keep materials in use for longer, cutting waste, accelerating the journey to net zero, and driving investment in vital infrastructure and green jobs.’

Check out: Simpler Recycling: The implications for local authorities