Households in England are being warned that placing garden waste in food waste caddies could result in bins being left uncollected. The warning comes as new recycling rules under the Environment Act 2021 take effect, requiring separate collections for food waste, paper and card, glass, metal, and plastic.
Local authorities are no longer obliged to collect certain garden items, including fencing, plant pots, and tools. Items such as used hay, straw, and animal bedding from pets like rabbits or guinea pigs may not be collected, though some councils may still accept them.
Old pet blankets or fabric beds should be taken to recycling centres. Some councils offer bulky waste collections for a fee, or residents can arrange private waste removal. Tools in good condition can be donated to charity shops, while broken tools should go to recycling centres.
Plant pots are also affected, as black plastic pots cannot be detected by sorting machinery. Recycle Now advises placing them in the waste bin. Garden centres may run take-back schemes for pots.
Other items no longer guaranteed for collection include tea bags, coffee grounds, sawdust, and sand. These can often be composted at home or disposed of in general waste. Larger items may need to be chopped into smaller pieces to meet local guidelines.
Residents are urged to check with their local council, as some areas are exempt from the new rules until at least 2040. The changes are part of the UK's Simpler Recycling reforms aimed at improving recycling rates.
