North East Herts MP Sir Oliver Heald has welcomed the Government announcement on a new, common-sense approach to recycling to make bin day simpler and boost recycling rates.  Recycling collections will see the same materials collected from homes, workplaces and schools, ending the confusing different approaches across the country.

Local authorities and other waste management organisations will be required to collect the same materials from all non-household premises, such as businesses, hospitals and schools by 31 March 2025 and households by 31 March 2026.

Councils will be allowed to collect plastic, medal, paper and card in one bin in all circumstances.  Food and garden waste will also be allowed to be co-collected.  Local authorities must provide a weekly food waste collection to all households.  The Government is supporting more frequent and comprehensive bin collections.  Councils will be expected to collect black bin waste at least fortnightly, alongside weekly food waste collections.

Commenting, Sir Oliver said:  “I am pleased that the Government is introducing new Simpler Recycling legislation to make bin day easier for my constituents and to improve recycling rates throughout England”.