From the end of March, every household in England should receive weekly food waste collections under the government’s Simpler Recycling reforms.
The government says the changes will ensure the same materials are collected for recycling across the country and help simplify the system for residents.
The new rules mean there will be items you can no longer recycle, and we reveal what can go in these food waste bins, why they're being introduced and if councils are ready for the changes.
Article continues belowNationwide food waste collections
Under the reforms from the Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (DEFRA), all local authorities in England must provide weekly food waste collections from households by 31 March 2026, unless a transitional arrangement applies.
Where councils are introducing the service for the first time, households will typically receive an indoor kitchen caddy and an outdoor food waste container to separate food waste from other rubbish.
What can go in your weekly food waste bin?
Under the new Simpler Recycling reforms, all households in England will be able to recycle their food waste weekly.
We asked DEFRA what residents can include in their weekly food waste bin, and they confirmed all these are allowed:
- Fruit and vegetables, including peelings and cores
- Bread, rice, pasta, cereals and baked goods
- Meat, fish, dairy products and eggshells
- Tea bags and coffee grounds
- Plate scrapings and uneaten leftovers
- Pet food
Some councils may allow compostable liners, but food should be removed from packaging before placing it in the caddy or bin.
Ending the recycling 'postcode lottery'
The changes form part of the government’s Simpler Recycling reforms, which aim to ensure the same materials are collected from households across England.
From the end of March, councils will be required to collect food and garden waste, dry recyclable materials such as glass, metal and plastic, paper and card, and residual waste from kitchen bins.
Officials say this will help simplify recycling rules and make it easier for households to know what can be recycled.
Are councils ready for the changes?
The government says it has provided £261.7 million in capital funding and £79.5 million in resource funding to help councils roll out the new food waste services.
A spokesperson for the Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs said: “We’re making over £78 billion available to England’s councils this year, which includes funding for councils to roll out weekly food waste collections.
“Our Simpler Recycling reforms will end the postcode lottery of bin collection and help keep our streets cleaner, while empowering local authorities to continue to deliver services in the way that works best for their communities.”
Officials said more than two-thirds of councils are ready to deliver weekly food waste collections, with over half already providing the service.
