Every UK household getting extra bins in Britain amid chaos in one city

The has implemented new rules regarding household schemes across England. Commencing March 31, 2026, the initiative requires councils to weekly from most homes.

The new rules fall under , which has been created to standardise the recycling rules across the UK, targeting households, schools and workplaces. The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) explained that in less than 12 months, local authorities must have the systems in place to facilitate the collection of core waste streams for all households in England, reports.

The new scheme means that UK households will now have a minimum of three to five recycling bins or containers to collect weekly waste. This waste will need to be separated according to food waste, plastics, paper and cardboard, green waste and plastic films.

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Additionally, plastic film collections will be organised and take effect on March 31, 2027. This will result in the manufacture of soft, flexible plastic packaging, like bags, wrappers, and pouches, into new products, stopping more plastic from ending up in landfills.

The recycling scheme will also welcome weekly food waste collection for most homes unless the council has an existing transitional arrangement, which will defer the scheme as per legislation.

While these , workplaces with less than 10 people will be given until March 31, 2027 to implement these core waste recycling streams. However, workplaces with 10 or more employees should have implemented the plan by creating three separate waste bins: dry recycling materials, food waste and residual waste.

Additionally, the launch of the will extend producer responsibility for packaging, especially drink containers. This system hopes to minimise waste from single-use drink containers.

Set to launch in 2027, the scheme will encourage recycling by requiring shoppers to pay a deposit on plastic and metal drink containers. Individuals will then be refunded when they are returned for recycling.

In England, household recycling rates have barely changed in the past ten years, sitting at around 44-45% since 2025. However, the Simpler Recycling Plan in England is expected to increase these recycling rates.

This plan aims to ensure that resources and products are used more sustainably. Hopefully, this will result in invisibly cleaner streets and a healthier environment for everyone. Implementing this system is projected to deliver greenhouse gas emissions savings equivalent to £11.8 billion in England, which will ultimately contribute to the goal of recycling 65% of municipal waste by 2035.

Birmingham bin chaos - latest

Birmingham is experiencing a major bin crisis as workers strike over pay. The result has seen mounds of bin bags piling up on street corners, with rats and other pests coming out of hiding to raid the rubbish. Puncture holes have been seen in the liners, causing food waste to spill out onto the street - creating an unsightly and foul smelling situation for all.

Bins union Unite are pressing Deputy Prime Minister to intervene to end Birmingham's damaging strike, has reported, claiming the council has 'declared war' on its bins workers.