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Simpler Recycling

New bin rules: what Simpler Recycling means for your bins

Since 31 March 2026, councils in England have had to collect the same materials for recycling and collect food waste every week. Here's what that means for your bins, your collection days and what goes where.

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UK Household Waste Collection Changes_What You Need To Know
New bin days?

Keep up with your new bin days in Loci

Pop in your postcode to check Loci works where you live. Then download the free app to see your bin days and get a reminder the night before.

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What's changing

The new bin collection rules in England, and when they apply

Simpler Recycling means households in England get separate food and recycling collections, with the same core materials collected everywhere. Councils run it locally, so the timing and the bins you get can differ.

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From 31 March 2026, every council in England has to collect the same core materials for recycling: paper and card, plastic, metal and glass. In many areas that added items such as plastic pots, tubs and trays, food and drink cartons, and foil.

What it means for you

New bins, new days and new rules: what to expect

Every council is making these changes in its own way. Here's what might change where you live, and what to do about it.

New bin days, sorted in one app 

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Will you be fined under the new bin rules? No new fines

Simpler Recycling doesn't bring in new fines for households. Councils already had the power to issue a £60 to £80 penalty, but only after a written warning and only where the problem is causing a nuisance. Defra has called reports of £400 fines false.

Your new bin days, sorted

Loci gets your collection days from your council's published schedule. When your council adds a food waste round or moves your bin day, your reminders follow, so you're never relying on an old calendar. Not sure what goes where under the new rules? Ask AI search, which answers using your council's own website. It's free on iPhone and Android. 

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Bin day reminder on the Loci app

Residents guides 

More bin guides 

Answers to the bin questions residents ask most. 

Food waste collections
Food waste collections

How your food caddy works and what goes in it.

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What can go in your recycling bin?

What goes in, what stays out and why the rules change between councils.

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Find your bin collection calendar
Find your bin collection calendar

Where to find your collection dates and how to keep up with changes.

Read the guide tail-right

Bin colours explained
Bin colours explained

What each bin colour usually means, and why it changes between councils.

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Which bin goes out this week?
Which bin goes out this week?

Alternate weeks, colour weeks and week A or B, explained.

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All bin guides
All bin guides

Every bin and recycling guide in one place, plus your council's page.

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New bin rules: your questions answered

Under Simpler Recycling, every council in England has to collect the same core materials for recycling and collect food waste every week. These rules started on 31 March 2026. Plastic bags and film will be added by 31 March 2027.

Your local community app

New bin days, food waste reminders and council services for your area, free in one app.

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