Everything you need to know about the upcoming Simpler Recycling scheme.
What’s happening?
Simpler recycling is a new scheme coming into effect across England from March 31st 2026 that will introduce consistent recycling services for all households across England. That means, no matter where you live in London, whether in a flat, house, estate, we will all be able to recycle the same stuff.
Until now, recyclable materials have varied from borough to borough making it difficult to feel confident about recycling and leading to lots of stuff that can’t be recycled ending up in the wrong bin, also known as ‘contamination’.
More and more people are recycling but many people aren’t sure if they are doing it correctly. By standardising recycling, there’ll be less guesswork on bin day, making it easy to get it right.
What can I expect?
New bins!? Yes, possibly, but each council’s changes and timelines will be different. You might have already noticed some changes where you live, but for others, the full roll out will take some time and full effects not realised until into 2027.
In London, most councils already collect the mandated materials (paper and card, plastic, glass, metal). Food waste recycling collections is one of the big changes that will take place.
Over a third of waste found in our rubbish bins is food – a lot of it in packaging. By recycling this food, you stop your rubbish bin being as heavy, leaky and smelly. Food waste bins are specially designed for to hold food – if you don’t already have one, you can expect to see a shiny new caddy soon.
Visit your council’s waste and recycling webpage to learn more about what’s happening in your local area.
Why does it matter?
Londoners are already recycling, but it’s not always easy. These changes will help simplify recycling for everyone.
Recycling is important because it helps keep stuff out of landfill and in use for longer, helping reduce carbon emissions.
If you’re not sure what you can recycle at home, visit our local recycling services webpage.
What happens to my recycling in London?
