If new Simple recycling scheme Left to worry about where the contents of your bin will go, you may need to find alternative ways to dispose of the waste.
As a flat dweller with no outdoor space for a wheelie bin, I’m going to be the most affected, which is why I’ve dived into what you can and can’t dispose of after the end of March.
I’m as keen as anyone to not waste too much, so here are some alternative ways to dispose of waste that I think will help me – and hopefully you too.
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Disposal of glassware
First on the list of recyclables changes is glass. Previously you were able to dispose of various glass items in your glass recycling but this changes at the end of March. Once the new rules are implemented, according to Easy Recycling Government website page(designed to be read by garbage collectors), it states:
“You do not need to collect glass that is not used as packaging”. This includes:
- Candles
- drinking glasses
- Flat glass
- Glass cookware (such as Pyrex)
- Light bulbs and tubes
- Microwave plates
- mirrors
- Vase
- window glass
- Ceramics, such as crockery or earthenware
So what can you do with the above? Other than broken items, light bulbs and tubes, flat glass and window glass, the rest of the glass products can be disposed of in one of three ways:
- Sell or donate: If in good condition, you can give it to friends or family, or sell it online using a selling platform. Ebay, Vinted Or Facebook MarketplaceOr take them to your local charity shop – some charities may also offer collections if you’re also disposing of large salable items such as furniture. Or you can even take up an upcycling project and reuse them in your home
- General waste: Wrap the items carefully and dispose of them in your normal waste
- Recycling Center: Take them to your local licensed household waste recycling centre. You can find the details nearest to you on your local authority website. With me, we have to make an appointment so make sure you check the guidance before you go
Metal items that cannot be recycled in your curbside collection
As with glass, the new rules advise waste collectors that they no longer need to take the following items:
- Laminated foil, such as pet food pouches and coffee pouches
- Electrical items and batteries
- Common kitchen utensils such as cutlery, pots and pans
- Kettle
- Iron
- the pipes
- Metal packaging containing white spirit, paint, engine oil or antifreeze
I think this is the one that will be least affected How will I manage the waste in the flat?Because most of these items wouldn’t have been accepted in my recycling bag anyway.
If you have any of the above, it can be divided as follows, (except general kitchen utensils which can also be donated if in good condition):
- General waste: laminated foil, such as pet food pouches and coffee pouches; Common kitchen utensils such as small amounts of cutlery, pots and pans
- Local licensed household waste recycling centre: electrical items and batteries; general kitchen utensils such as cutlery, pots and pans; Kettle; iron; pipes; Metal packaging containing white spirit, paint, engine oil or antifreeze
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Plastic items that cannot be recycled curbside
I currently have a mixed plastic and metal storage bag that I mainly fill with food related packaging. As of 31 March 2026, waste collectors are not permitted to accept the following items:
- Any plastic packaging or non-packaging items labeled as ‘compostable’ or ‘biodegradable’, including coffee beans
- Plastic bottles containing white spirit, paint, engine oil or antifreeze
- Heavy rigid plastics such as garden furniture, bins and plastic toys
- Polystyrene (expanded and high impact) packaging such as packing beads
- Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) packaging
Perhaps the most confusing change here is the fact that if your plastic food packaging says any kind of compostable or biodegradable, it may not go with the recycling.
This is because they may contain traces of plastic that can contaminate the plastic recycling stream, so they should be placed in the general waste instead. Once a collection of plastic becomes contaminated, it results in the entire load going to a landfill.
So there are alternative methods for disposal of other items:
- General waste
- Local Household Waste Recycling Centre: For items that are too heavy for your regular curbside collection
- Donate or sell: For garden furniture, bins and plastic toys in good condition
Paper and card items
With the exception of food and beverage cartons (which were moved to the plastic recycling collection some time ago), all other items on this list are primarily suitable for General waste collection.
The exception is nappies and incontinence products which are often collected by many councils in dedicated bags or caddies. Check your local council website to see if the service is available and if you are eligible.
- Food and beverage cartons made from fiber-based composites (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
Bathroom bins for collecting general waste
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food waste
According to the new rules, waste collectors are no longer required to collect “any plastic packaging or non-packaging items labeled as ‘compostable’ or ‘biodegradable’, including coffee beans. Food waste caddy liners used to hold food waste can be collected.”
It is part of an overall simple recycling scheme to separate food waste from any other child of waste collection. I’ve had to use a food caddy for food waste in Wales for many years, but that’s not the case everywhere.
Every household in England should receive a Food Waste Caddy by the end of MarchBut each council may have to vary their time frame based on budget and available resources. N BBC investigation A quarter of the council have already said this cannot be achieved.
Food waste, as it suggests, is made up of food, and accordingly DEFRAYour caddy can include:
- Fruits and vegetables, including peels and cores
- Bread, rice, pasta, cereals and baked goods
- Meat, fish, dairy products and eggshells
- Tea bags and coffee grounds
- Plate scrapings and uneaten leftovers
- pet food
What changes, like plastic collection, is that items labeled compostable or biodegradable can no longer be included. For example coffee may be the contents of the pods, but not the pods themselves. That’s why this investment is made Navris Coffee Pod Recycling Tool Might be a good idea. You can find it too Ways to use coffee grounds in your garden If you want to find a solution other than trash.
In terms of alternative methods for food waste disposal, if you are looking Ways to make your garden more eco-friendlyYou may already have a home compost for food waste. This will be your main option if you choose not to use your council-provided collection.
Garden waste
A quick poll of the Homebuilding and Renovating team confirmed that garden waste collection is already available in their home towns, but we all have to pay for this collection.
Garden waste collection will remain the same (council may still charge), so what changes, cannot be included again, the following are shown on the government website:
- Animal bedding
- Heavy waste (including garden furniture and fencing)
- Garden tools or other gardening tools
- Plant pots
- Plastic
- Sand
- Sawdust
- Stone, gravel or bricks
- Tea bags or coffee grounds
- Branches and trees of a certain size have to be cut into smaller pieces to follow local guidelines
So, let’s break down your alternative waste disposal options for what you may have previously classified as garden waste. I know when I had a garden waste bin, none of the items listed were allowed anyway, so you may already be up to speed on this.
- Food wastage: Tea bags or coffee grounds can go in your food waste
- General waste: Small amounts of animal bedding, non-recyclable plastics, sand, sawdust and small plant pots
- Donate or sell: Gardening tools, equipment or furniture that is in reasonably good condition
- Recycling Center: All other items take them to your local licensed household waste recycling centre. They will usually have separate skips for things like stone, gravel and bricks, as well as a large skip where you can dispose of larger garden waste. I know mine definitely does.
For more useful advice on what can and cannot be recycled in your area, visit Recycle Now website. Also take a look at the additional advice we have on dealing with Garden wasteAnd if you have a home renovation in mind, check this out Ways to reuse bricks in your gardenHow much you can expect to pay Skip the costwith some expert suggestions for Recycling building materials.
