📰 What’s changing in UK waste
The main changes to waste rules over the next couple of years, and what they mean for you.
🏠 Simpler Recycling at home (England)
Since 31 March 2026 councils must collect four streams: food and garden waste, paper and card, other dry recyclables (glass, metal, plastic, cartons), and general waste. Weekly food waste collections are being rolled out. Some councils have more time.
🏢 Recycling at work (England)
Workplaces with 10 or more staff have had to separate recycling since 31 March 2025. Smaller workplaces must by 31 March 2027. Read more.
🛍️ Plastic film collections
Kerbside collections of plastic film, such as bags and wrapping, are due by 31 March 2027 for households and workplaces in England.
🥤 Deposit Return Scheme
Planned to launch in October 2027 in England, Scotland and Northern Ireland for plastic bottles and metal cans: pay a small deposit, get it back when you return the container. Wales is taking its own approach.
📦 Packaging producers pay
Under packaging Extended Producer Responsibility, businesses that use packaging now pay towards collecting and recycling it, with the money going to councils. Small businesses below the thresholds are exempt.
📡 Digital waste tracking
Waste receiving sites in England and Wales must report digitally from 1 October 2026 (Scotland and NI from 1 January 2027). Carriers, brokers and dealers are planned to follow from October 2027. Read more.
Last checked 21 October 2026. Dates can change; the official pages are always the reference.
More learn
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For schools and families
Free games, a printable sorting worksheet and a certificate to help children learn about rubbish, recycling and staying safe.
Waste Hero certificate
A printable certificate for children who complete the Waste World games.