New bin collection laws in England could be pushed through by Labour after 'review'

New bin collection laws are set to be introduced across the UK, hailed as a "common sense" move. The fresh approach aims to simplify recycling days and enhance the nation's recycling rates, following plans laid out by the previous Conservative Party.

Labour MPs are also backing the initiative for more straightforward recycling collections, which will standardise the materials collected from homes, workplaces, and schools. Under the new system, councils will have the freedom to gather plastic, metal, glass, paper, and card together in all situations.

In a similar vein, food and garden waste will be permitted to be collected jointly. This shift is expected to alleviate confusion among residents about what items can be recycled, as there will no longer be a need to verify individual council policies.

It will also streamline processes for councils and other waste collectors, allowing them to maintain the flexibility to manage recyclable waste in ways that best suit their local areas. Recycling Minister Robbie Moore commented on the upcoming changes, stating: "We all want to do our bit to increase recycling and reduce the amount of waste sent to landfill – but a patchwork of different bin collections across England means it can be hard to know what your council will accept."

Paul Vanston, CEO of the Industry Council for Packaging and the Environment (INCPEN), said: "Our plans for Simpler Recycling will end that confusion: ensuring that the same set of materials will be collected regardless of where you live".

He added, "Householders can take this government announcement as a pledge that, wherever we live across the nation, our local councils will all speedily implement recycling collections of the full range of materials that will match on-pack recycling labels citizens rely on for guidance.", reports Birmingham Live.

He further commented, "Those paying the very substantial costs for councils' local packaging recycling services – especially citizens, brands and retailers – can rightly set high benchmarks of great customer service, superb packaging recycling performance and demonstrable value-for-money being achieved everywhere."

Meanwhile, a Defra spokesperson stressed that no descions had been finalised. "This story is not true. No decisions have been made and Ministers are currently reviewing these policies."