New bin collections have been announced for households in England and are set to come into force in just a few months’ time.
Households will get a new bin collection in 2026 (Image: Getty)
New bin collections are set to be introduced for every household in England from 2026, the government has announced.
Labour’s new Environmental Improvement Plan, released on Monday, sets out a huge overhaul of various laws and rules in a bid to cut down on household waste, reduce pollution and increase recycling.
One of the proposals set out in the plan is to introduce separate food waste collections for all households next year, meaning an additional food bin would be provided for households for collection alongside existing black bins for landfill, and recycling bins for paper, plastics and cans.
Some local authorities already collect food waste, but the rules are not universal and most councils do not currently offer food waste collections by default.
In previous guidance issued by DEFRA in 2024, a plan was outlined for how this will work from 2026 for households in England.
It says: “From 31 March 2026, waste collection authorities must provide weekly food waste collections from all households, to allow people to dispose of odorous organic waste frequently.”
However, some local councils could apply for a grace period before they need to implement the new rules.
It adds: “If you have been granted a longer transitional arrangement, you will not need to collect food waste until the agreed date.”
Other proposals in the Environmental Improvement Plan include policies to boost nature with 250,000 hectares of new ‘wildlife rich habitats’ by 2030 in a bid to ‘halt the decline in species abundance’.
The plan will also aim to halve the number of invasive species, and reduce flood risks.
Money will also be spent on restoring peatlands, improving water quality and cutting ‘forever chemicals’.
Environment Secretary Emma Reynolds said: “Our environment faces real challenges, with pollution in our waterways, air quality that’s too low in many areas, and treasured species in decline.
“This plan marks a step change in restoring nature. Our ambitious targets are backed by real action to cut harmful air pollutants, revive habitats and protect the environment for generations to come.”
Marian Spain, chief executive of Natural England, which is also responsible for some of the actions, said: “The ambitious targets and focus on delivery in the Environmental Improvement Plan bring a welcome clarity to what everybody needs to do for nature recovery.
“For example, expanding wildlife-rich habitats will sustain our most precious places and species and mean more people can enjoy nature, and more funding for Landscape Recovery will enable farmers to work together to make farms more resilient to climate change, as well as helping clean up water and air.”
But Ms Spain added that long-term success will need action and funding from across business, society and government.
