The Separation of Waste (England) Regulations 2024 sets out changes to how waste is collected for recycling, including in schools. Find more advice in this blog post from the DfE.
What you must recycle
From 31 March 2025, you must have recycling and collection measures in place for:
- Food waste
- Glass (bottles, jars)
- Metal (aluminium and steel tins, cans, foil)
- Plastic (bottles, tubs, trays, containers)
- Paper (envelopes, magazines, copier paper, shredded paper)
- Cardboard (cardboard boxes, corrugated cardboard)
Plastic film will also be collected from 31 March 2027.
Food waste must be collected separately
You must provide specific food waste containers for collection. Food waste can no longer be put in bins with general waste or non-recyclable rubbish, or mixed in with recyclable materials.
Food waste Dry mixed recycling General/non-recyclable