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England's bins: Nappies, wipes & mirrors banned!
8 Jun
Summary
- New recycling laws ban nappies, period products, and incontinence items.
- Cotton wool, makeup pads, and wet wipes must go in general waste.
- Mirrors cannot be recycled and should go to recycling centers.
England's Simpler Recycling reforms mandate separate collections for food waste, paper, glass, metal, and plastics for both businesses and households. These changes, effective March 31, aim to simplify recycling efforts and reduce landfill waste.
Items previously causing confusion, such as absorbent hygiene products (AHPs), including nappies and period products, are now excluded from recycling. Local authorities are not required to collect them.
Furthermore, common bathroom items like cotton wool and makeup pads are classified as non-recyclable and must be disposed of in general waste. Similarly, all types of wet wipes, including cosmetic and cleaning varieties, are neither recyclable nor flushable.
Mirrors present another challenge; their metallic coating contaminates glass recycling. Residents are advised to take mirrors to recycling centers or donate them if still usable. These regulations apply across England, though some local councils have exemptions until 2040.
