England’s Simpler Recycling reforms have introduced a standardised approach to household waste collections, including new rules for garden and food waste. The changes clarify what local authorities must collect and identify several garden items that no longer need to be accepted through recycling services.
The updated requirements took effect for household collections from 31 March 2026 and form part of wider measures introduced under the Environment Act 2021.
The reforms are intended to create a more consistent waste collection system across England. According to guidance published by the Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (Defra), households must now have access to separate waste streams covering food and garden waste, paper and card, dry recyclable materials, and residual waste.
At the same time, the guidance sets out categories of materials that local authorities are not required to collect through recycling schemes. For householders clearing gardens, sheds or outdoor spaces, this changes what can go into garden waste collections.
Several Common Garden Items Are No Longer Included in Recycling Collections
According to Defra’s Simpler Recycling household guidance, local authorities do not need to collect a number of materials through the garden waste stream. The list includes animal bedding, bulky waste such as garden furniture and fencing, garden tools and other gardening equipment, plant pots, plastic items, sand, sawdust, stone, gravel and bricks, as well as tea bags and coffee grounds.
The guidance also notes that branches and tree material above certain sizes may need to be cut down before collection, depending on local authority requirements.
Plastic plant pots are among the items specifically excluded from garden waste recycling. Likewise, general plastic waste should not be placed into garden collections under the new framework. Defra states that councils should provide clear information to households about what can and cannot be recycled in each waste stream in order to reduce confusion.
Food and Garden Waste Must Now Be Managed under Separate Collection Requirements
The reforms also introduce rules governing how food and garden waste are collected. According to the government guidance, food waste must be collected weekly and provided free of charge to households. Authorities are expected to supply both a small indoor food caddy and a larger outdoor collection container.
Garden waste follows a different model. Local authorities are only required to collect it where residents request the service and pay any associated charges. The guidance allows councils to collect food and garden waste together in one container. Where that happens, collections must still operate weekly to meet food waste obligations. Authorities may charge only for the garden waste element of the service.
Defra also states that households should be informed that they do not need to subscribe to a garden waste collection service in order to remain entitled to free weekly food waste collections. Some councils remain subject to transitional arrangements and may have later implementation dates for certain requirements. Households are therefore advised to check with their local authority to confirm how the rules apply in their area.
