Home / Environment / England's New Food Bin Rule Starts 2026
England's New Food Bin Rule Starts 2026
7 Jan
Summary
- New bin collections for food waste will be introduced for all households in England.
- This change is part of Labour's Environmental Improvement Plan to reduce waste.
- Separate food waste bins will be provided for collection starting in 2026.
Starting in 2026, all households across England will see new bin collection systems implemented, specifically for food waste. This initiative is a cornerstone of Labour's new Environmental Improvement Plan, designed to enact broad changes to laws and regulations. The primary goals are to significantly reduce household waste, minimize pollution, and enhance overall recycling rates nationwide.
The plan proposes the introduction of separate food waste collections for every home this year. This means an additional food bin will be supplied to households, complementing their existing bins for general landfill waste and for recyclables like paper, plastics, and cans. While some local authorities already offer this service, it has not been a universal practice.
Previous guidance from DEFRA in 2024 outlined the framework for these changes, confirming the 2026 implementation for households throughout England. This overhaul signifies a major step towards a more sustainable waste management system for the country.
