Full list of 39 items you can’t put in bin from March 31 under new rules

From next week, four different containers are set to be collected by refuse staff and workers as part of a bid to “simplify” recycling.

The Labour Party government is changing its bin collection rules from March 31, 2026. From next week, four different containers are set to be collected by refuse staff and workers as part of a bid to “simplify” recycling.

The four different collections relate to: food and garden waste, paper and card, all other dry recyclable materials (glass, metal and plastic, including cartons) AND residual waste (non-recyclable waste that is sent for energy recovery or to landfill).

All these types of waste must be collected from all households (including flats). But the government has also explained there are some materials “you do not need to collect” and these shouldn’t be placed in the containers.

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But this is not a complete list.

Glass

candles

drinking glasses

flat glass

glass cookware (such as Pyrex)

light bulbs and tubes

microwave plates

mirrors

vases

window glass

ceramics, such as crockery or earthenware

Metal

laminated foil, like pet food pouches and coffee pouches

electrical items and batteries

general kitchenware like cutlery, pots and pans

kettles

irons

pipes

metal packaging that has contained white spirits, paints, engine oils or antifreeze

Plastic

any plastic packaging or non-packaging items labelled as ‘compostable’ or ‘biodegradable’, including coffee pods

plastic bottles that have contained white spirits, paints, engine oils or antifreeze

bulky rigid plastics such as garden furniture, bins and plastic toys

polystyrene (expanded and high impact) packaging such as packing beads

polyvinyl chloride (PVC) packaging

Paper and card

food and drinks cartons made of a fibre-based composite (these should be collected in the plastic stream)

absorbent hygiene products (AHPs) including nappies, period products and incontinence products

cotton wool or makeup pads

tissue or toilet paper

wet wipes

Food waste

compostable packaging

‘biodegradable packaging, which includes coffee pods

Garden waste

animal bedding

bulky waste (including garden furniture and fencing)

garden tools or other gardening equipment

plant pots

plastic

sand

sawdust

stone, gravel or bricks

tea bags or coffee grounds

branches and trees over a certain size may have to be cut into smaller pieces to follow local guidance