Gardening items you can no longer recycle under new bin rules in England

The ‘Simpler Recycling’ reform has changed what can go in your recycling bins

New recycling rules are in force in England(Image: Getty Images)

There are certain gardening items that you can no longer recycle in England under the new bin rules that have come into force. Key changes were introduced to the country’s recycling system at the end of March 2026 which has impacted the way that households can recycle.

The ‘Simpler Recycling’ reform, under the Environment Act 2021, has changed what can go in your recycling bins. The new regulations state specific items that can no longer be recycled, or you risk your collection being refused.

The Act enforces ‘mandatory, consistent’ recycling for both businesses and households in England with the aim to streamline recycling, boost sustainability, and cut landfill waste.

Get MEN Premium now for just £1 HERE – or get involved in our WhatsApp group by clicking HERE. And don’t miss out on our brilliant selection of newsletters HERE.

Among the new requirements are separate collections for food waste, paper and card, glass, metal, and plastic. Whilst there are many things you can no longer recycle inside your home, such as these common kitchen items, there are also rules that effect what you can recycle from your outdoor space.

Your recycling bin might not be emptied if you recycle the wrong items(Image: Yackers1 via Getty Images)

Here is what you no longer need to recycle under the new rules, according to Gov.uk:

Garden wasteBulky waste (including garden furniture and fencing)Garden tools or other gardening equipmentPlant potsPlasticSandSawdustStone, gravel or bricksTea bags or coffee groundsbranches and trees over a certain size may have to be cut into smaller pieces to follow local guidance

The full list of excluded items is available on gov.uk’s Simpler Recycling Scheme page.