Households across England are being urged to get ready for a major shake-up in bin collections as the government’s Simpler Recycling rules come into force on 31 March 2026.
Under the new system, councils will move towards a standard four-bin arrangement for food and garden waste, paper and card, other dry recyclables, and residual waste.
Households across England must adapt to a host of new bin rules from March 31
The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) says the aim is to remove confusion and reduce the “postcode lottery” of recycling, but it has also warned that local authorities can issue fixed penalty notices for waste offences, with some reports citing fines of up to £400.
Defra’s own guidance also makes clear that the “do not need to collect” lists are not complete, so residents should still check local rules where necessary.
According to the Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs, the following items won’t be collected:
Glass
- Candles.
- Drinking glasses.
- Flat glass.
- Glass cookware such as Pyrex.
- Light bulbs and tubes.
- Microwave plates.
- Mirrors.
- Vases.
- Window glass.
- Ceramics such as crockery or earthenware.
Metal
- Laminated foil such as pet food pouches and coffee pouches.
- Electrical items and batteries.
- General kitchenware such as cutlery, pots and pans.
- Kettles.
- Irons.
- Pipes.
- Metal packaging that has contained white spirits, paints, engine oils or antifreeze.
Plastic
- Any plastic packaging or non-packaging items labelled as compostable or biodegradable, including coffee pods.
- Plastic bottles that have contained white spirits, paints, engine oils or antifreeze.
- Bulky rigid plastics such as garden furniture, bins and plastic toys.
- Polystyrene packaging, including packing beads.
- PVC packaging.
Paper and card
- Food and drinks cartons made of a fibre-based composite.
- Absorbent hygiene products, including nappies, period products and incontinence products.
- Cotton wool or makeup pads.
- Tissue or toilet paper.
- Wet wipes.
Food waste
- Any plastic packaging or non-packaging items labelled as compostable or biodegradable, including coffee pods.
Garden waste
- Animal bedding.
- Bulky waste, including garden furniture and fencing.
- Garden tools or other gardening equipment.
- Plant pots.
- Plastic.
- Sand.
- Sawdust.
- Stone, gravel or bricks.
- Tea bags or coffee grounds.
- Branches and trees over a certain size, which may need to be cut into smaller pieces depending on local guidance.
What the recycling rules mean
The new rules are designed to standardise recycling collections across England, including flats and communal properties, and to make it clearer what belongs in each bin.
Food waste must be collected weekly and free of charge, while garden waste can be charged for if households request the service.
The post You could face a £400 fine for putting these items in the wrong bin from March 31 – full list of items that will not be collected as new bin rules come into force in England appeared first on Secret Bristol.
