Households in England have been warned not to fall foul of new recycling rules, as common glass items many assume can be recycled actually cannot. The UK's Simpler Recycling reforms, introduced under the Environment Act 2021, have imposed mandatory recycling obligations, with separate collections for food waste, paper, glass, metal and plastic. Failure to follow the guidelines could result in bins being left unemptied.
Recycle Now, which provides recycling guidance for England and Northern Ireland, lists items that can and cannot be recycled. While glass bottles and jars of any colour, as well as non-food bottles like perfume and aftershave, can be recycled at home (rinsed, with lids replaced), several other glass items cannot.
Crockery and earthenware should be disposed of in the waste bin if damaged, or donated to charity if in good condition. Drinking glasses are made from a different material and cannot be recycled through household collections; broken ones should be wrapped safely and placed in the non-recyclable waste bin, or taken to a local recycling centre.
Cookware such as Pyrex is specially treated to withstand high temperatures and is non-recyclable. Broken or chipped Pyrex should be carefully disposed of in the waste bin. Energy-efficient light bulbs can be recycled at larger recycling centres or some stores, but older incandescent bulbs are not recyclable and go in the waste bin.
Vases also cannot be recycled at home; if in good condition, donate them to a charity shop, otherwise dispose of them in the waste bin. Local authorities must provide clear information on recycling, though some councils are exempt until at least 2040.
