A significant overhaul of household bin collections is set to roll out across England, with new rules mandating weekly pick-ups for food waste. The Labour government has confirmed that from 31 March 2026, every waste collection authority must provide a dedicated weekly collection service for food scraps from all households.
What the New Rules Mean for Your Bins
The primary change is the introduction of a mandatory, separate weekly collection for food waste. The government states this is specifically "to allow people to dispose of odorous organic waste frequently." This move aims to tackle the nuisance of rotting food in bins and boost recycling rates across the nation.
However, councils will retain significant control over other waste streams. Authorities will continue to decide the frequency and method for collecting residual (non-recyclable) waste and dry recyclables, such as paper, glass, and plastics. They are instructed to design these services to meet local needs and provide value for money for taxpayers.
Flexibility and Specific Needs
The guidance includes important provisions for flexibility and support. Some authorities may have been granted longer transitional arrangements and will not need to start weekly food waste collections until an agreed later date.
Councils are also directed to consider additional services for households with specific requirements. Key considerations include:
- Households with medical needs that generate extra waste.
- Preventing a build-up of smelly waste at the kerbside.
- Ensuring changes do not inadvertently lead to an increase in fly-tipping of residual waste.
How Councils Must Plan the New Service
When planning the new collection schedules and methods, waste collection authorities must assess several local factors for different property types. The government stipulates they should consider at least the following:
- The size of bins or containers provided.
- The number of occupants in a property.
- The type of premises, such as flats or houses.
- Available storage space inside or outside the premises.
- Specific additional needs, like those of households with medical requirements.
The announcement concludes by instructing authorities to monitor any changes to collection frequencies closely to ensure there are no unintended negative consequences for residents or the local environment.
