Simpler recycling

Simpler Recycling is here

Simpler Recycling is new Government legislation being introduced across England. The aim is to make recycling the same everywhere. As a district, we’re already doing great at recycling, this will help us do even better.

Did you know that our district recycles 48.2% of our total waste? Recycling means we can reuse what we already have.

So, what's changing?

You can now recycle even more items! Including plastic pots, tubs, trays, tubes and cartons. And the good news is for now you won’t need an extra bin.

Put these items in your brown recycling bin:

• glass bottles and jars
• clean foil
• tins and cans, aluminium food trays and empty aerosols
• steel and aluminium lids
• plastic bottles, pots, tubs, tubes and trays (including non black plastic plant pots)
• empty food and drink cartons 
• paper and card

What about food waste?

Most councils will introduce weekly food waste collections. In Wakefield, this change will not happen yet. Food waste should continue to go into your household waste bin. It is processed at our waste treatment facility and used to generate renewable heat and electricity.

Food waste must not go into the garden waste bin, which is processed separately to create soil improver.

What are the changes for businesses?

Workplaces must separate their waste before it is collected. This includes a separate food waste collection. Workplace recycling rules changed on 31 March 2025 for businesses with 10 or more full time employees. Rules will change from 31 March 2027 for smaller workplaces.

Businesses who use the councils commercial waste collection service have been contacted. Any enquiries should be forwarded to commercialwaste@wakefield.gov.uk.

To read more about the rules for businesses, visit the government webpage.

Let’s get recycling right

Our district is ranked 81 out of 321 councils across England for its recycling, composting and reuse rate. We need your help to put us in the top 10%. So, we’ve included a helpful booklet to help you get recycling right.

Here’s our top tips for recycling:

1. Empty, rinse, and recycle items to give them the best chance of being made into something new.
2. Flatten cardboard and lightly squash items to save space and fit more into your recycling bin.
3. Extra recycling can be placed beside your bin on collection day. Flatten large cardboard into one box, use a clear bag for loose items that don’t fit, or visit your nearest Household Waste Recycling Centre if you have a lot.
4. Having a clear out? Stuff like toys, bedding and clothes, electrics, tools, furniture and wood should never be put in any of your bins at home. Check the back of the leaflet to find out where to take it.
5. Remember things like polystyrene and nappies are not recyclable and should always go in your green household waste bin.