There have been major changes to what can be recycled at home.
Spring is the perfect chance to get into gardens and tidy them up before summer arrives. Many homes across England will be busy cutting lawns, trimming hedges and sprucing up plants.
However, households could be caught out by the new bin rules when it comes to disposing their garden waste. There has been a major change in how recycling is done in England this year.
If you ignore the latest guidelines, your bin might not be collected. The UK’s Simpler Recycling reforms, under the Environment Act 2021, have enforced mandatory and consistent recycling for businesses and households in England.
There are now separate collections for food waste, paper and card, glass, metal and plastic. Local authorities need to provide clear information about what can and can’t be recycled.
Some local councils are exempt from the new regulations until at least 2040 so it is important to check with your local authority to see whether these new rules apply.
The new rules state that local authorities now no longer need to collect certain garden items to recycle.
Animal bedding
Some local councils may allow used hay, straw and bedding from animals such as rabbits or guinea pigs to be put in garden waste collections. However, the new rules mean local authorities do not need to collect it. Old pet blankets or beds made from fabric can be recycled at Recycling Centres.
Bulky waste (including garden furniture and fencing)
Some councils do one-off bulky waste collections, which are often charged at a fee. Other options include taking it to a Recycling Centre or private waste removal services.
Garden tools or other gardening
Tools that are still in good working order can be donated to some charity shops or local community projects. If you want to recycle the tools as it is no longer usable, it is best to take to a Recycling Centre.
Plant pots
Local authorities now don’t have to collect plant pots. Some garden centres allow plant pot take back schemes. Recycle Now said: “Currently black plant pots contain pigments which make them undetectable to the sorting machinery used to sort plastics, unlike other pots, tubs and trays used for food packaging, so need to be placed in the waste bin.”
Plastic
While most plastic packaging can be recycled, some plastic cannot. It is always best to check what plastic is in the item you want to recycle and if it can be. If in doubt, take it to a Recycling Centre.
Sand
Old sand can be added to a compost pile at home or placed in the bottom of potted plants.
Sawdust
Most councils will not accept sawdust in recycling. Instead, seal in a plastic bag and place in the general waste bin. You can also use a professional waste collector.
Stone, gravel or bricks
These items are best taken to a Recycling Centre. You could also hire a skip if there is a lot of waste.
Tea bags or coffee grounds
Local authorities no longer need to collect tea bags or coffee grounds. Always check to see what rules apply in your area. These items can be composted at home.
Branches and trees over a certain size
If these are too large they may have to be cut into smaller pieces to follow local guidance. You can use professional waste removals or take to a Recycling Centre.
