Households are being reminded bin collections are getting a major shake-up in 2026.
Bin collection change for all households in England with £110 fine
Bin collection changes that ALL UK households need to know for 2026 – or risk being slapped with £110 fine – have been revealed. In the wake of Christmas, households are being reminded bin collections are getting a major shake-up in 2026.
From April 2026, every household in England will be affected by the Government’s new “Simpler Recycling” plans. Under the new rules, waste will be split into four clear streams, covering non-recyclable rubbish, food waste, paper and card, and all other dry recycling such as plastic, metal and glass.
Failing to follow local bin rules can already lead to hefty fines in some areas, so experts are urging households to get up to speed.
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Businesses that do not comply with the new Simpler recycling laws could face hefty fines and civil sanctions, ranging from £110 fixed penalty notice to a £5,000 fine or more.
These new fines follow the 20% increase to landfill tax, which rose from £103.70 to £126.15 per tonne, in April 2024. So, the financial incentive to recycle for many care homes will be stronger than ever.
Grant Keenan, Managing Director of Keenan Recycling, warns against last-minute compliance efforts. He said: “We are always here for businesses to help them comply with the new food waste regulations, as it can be daunting for business owners to take it all in.
“It would benefit us all if businesses approached us earlier and not leave it to the last minute, as we may not be able to support them and allocate resources for multiple locations and bins, especially.”
The firm added: “The new Simpler Recycling rules apply to any business in England with 10 or more full-time employees. This includes all businesses, regardless of how many employees are present on-site at any given time.
“For example, if a company operates across two locations with five employees at each, it still falls under the scope of the regulations.
“Additionally, responsibility for compliance doesn’t just fall on business owners. Landlords and facilities management companies presenting waste on behalf of businesses may also be issued compliance notices.”