People getting this wrong could find their bins are left uncollected – but a date has been set for a change
Recycling chiefs have warned that even though the UK has seen a big expansion of the system this year. Earlier in 2026 the Simpler Recycling scheme came into force – meaning every council in England has to provide the same service.
Waste collectors must, by default, collect 4 types of waste separately from households. These are food and garden waste, paper and card, all other dry recyclable materials such as glass, metal and plastic, including cartons, and residual waste which is non-recyclable waste that is sent for energy recovery or to landfill.
The introduction has not been without problems – many councils have failed to sort out the food waste weekly collections, and the Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs has allowed them to take until the end of the year. Circular Economy Minister Mary Creagh said at the launch: “We are ending the bin collections postcode lottery and making it easier for people to recycle wherever they live.
“Simplifying these rules will cut out carbon, clean up our streets, and help bring pride back into our communities. We will continue to work hand-in-hand with local areas to deliver these changes and ensure there’s more recycled content in the products we buy.”
However, the scheme has left a big question for some residents – what to do about packets of crisps. Many people believe they should go in with the main plastic recycling on the ‘dry recyclable materials’ section – but they’re wrong because usually they’re not made from plastic alone.
Because of this, people are being warned not to and most councils have notices on their websites telling people what they should do with the packets. In the UK, households will not typically be fined for accidentally putting crisp packets in their home recycling bin. While doing so is considered contamination, councils generally start with educational warnings or refuse to collect the bin before issuing any formal penalties.
London Recycles says: “Crisp packets need to go into your rubbish bin as they can’t be recycled. Although the inside of the packet is shiny and looks like foil, it’s actually metallised plastic film, which can’t be recycled from home yet.”
People can tell if the item is metallised plastic film by doing a special test. London Recycles said: “An easy way to find out if something is foil or metallised plastic film is to do the scrunch test. Scrunch the item – if it stays ‘scrunched’ it’s foil and can be recycled. If it springs back it’s probably metallised plastic film and can’t be recycled.”
Zero Waste Scotland said there is another option: “Crisp packets can be recycled alongside plastic bags and film at most larger supermarkets. Look for the recycling points marked ‘soft plastics’ often located after the tills or near the front door.”
What still does NOT go in the recycling…
Don’t put these in the recycling:
- drinking glasses, vases, Pyrex or oven dishes
- mirrors or window glass
- ceramics or crockery
- pots, pans and cutlery
- electrical items or batteries (they can be recycled at many large stores)
- laminated foil pouches (like pet food or coffee)
- “compostable” or “biodegradable” plastics (including pods)
- polystyrene packaging
- tissues, wet wipes or toilet paper
- cotton wool or makeup pads
- nappies or period products
There is a big change which will make a difference for crisp fans. From 31 March 2027, councils will also collect plastic bags and plastic film. – for example bread bags, crisp packets and cling film. These items will all be joining kerbside plastic recycling.
These clearer rules should mean less contamination, more materials turned into new things and less recycling ending up in the bin.