New 'Simpler Recycling' rules in England have changed what garden items can be recycled. The regulations, effective for over a month, aim to standardize waste collection but have left many households uncertain about proper disposal of garden waste.
Key Changes Under Simpler Recycling
The reforms, mandated by the Environment Act 2021, require separate collections for food waste, recyclables, and garden waste. While intended to streamline recycling and reduce landfill, they prohibit certain garden items from being recycled.
However, some local councils are exempt until at least 2040, so residents should check with their local authority.
Garden Items No Longer Recyclable
According to the government website, the following garden items cannot be placed in recycling bins:
- Animal bedding
- Bulky waste (e.g., garden furniture, fencing)
- Garden tools and equipment
- Plant pots (plastic or otherwise)
- Plastic bottles and other plastics
- Sand
- Sawdust
- Stone, gravel, or bricks
- Tea bags or coffee grounds
- Branches and trees over a certain size (may need cutting down)
Additional Kitchen Items Affected
Earlier, the government also listed six kitchen items that can no longer be recycled: drinking glasses, glass cookware, ceramic crockery, cutlery, and pots and pans.
Households are advised to check local guidelines, as exemptions apply. The changes aim to improve recycling rates and reduce contamination.
