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Article Synopsis
This article looks at the way household collection of rubbish is being revolutionised across the UK through the 'Simpler Recycling' initiative. However, the scheme could cause problems for someone who has a house to clear - so it explains how a professional clearance company like ASAP Clearances could cut through any confusion.
It will take around three minutes to read.
In the next few months, all households in the UK will join the 'Simpler Recycling' scheme. This aims to standardise waste collection across the country and should increase recycling rates.
Here, ASAP Clearances, who offer professional house clearance services in Highgate and across North London, highlight the key elements of the scheme - and why it could cause problems if you have a house to clear, even temporarily. In a situation like this, a professional clearance company may be the best solution.
A Professional House Clearance Service in Highgate with ASAP Clearances
At ASAP Clearances, we offer domestic and commercial waste clearance services in Barnet, Enfield, Southgate, and across North London and into Hertfordshire. We pride ourselves on our fast, professional approach and competitive prices.
The Simpler Recycling Scheme in 2026
The Government set out the Simpler Recycling scheme in November 2024. It aimed to bring in a standard waste collection system across the country to drive up domestic recycling rates and to avoid any confusion with local authorities providing different collection systems.
The following domestic collections should now be provided by your local authority
- Residual (non-recyclable) waste
- Food waste (this may be mixed with garden waste if appropriate). This should be collected weekly)
- Paper and card
- And all other dry recyclable materials (including plastic, metal and glass).
All councils were supposed to have brought in the scheme by the end of last month, but some local authorities have been given extra time to prepare. Some were locked into existing contracts, or they have been facing logistical or financial challenges. However, all councils must provide these collections by March 2027.
Most businesses are already operating under these rules, unless they have 10 employees or fewer; these will also be expected to come into line within the next 12 months.
The Reasons for Introducing Simpler Recycling
The scheme should standardise waste collection across the UK, ending the confusion caused by having more than 50 different local authority recycling rules (the so-called ‘Postcode Lottery’). By setting out what can be recycled nationwide, and introducing mandatory food waste collection, the scheme aims to boost recycling rates, reduce contamination, and minimise the amount of waste sent to landfill or for incineration.
Clearer, separated collections of materials (glass, metal, plastic, paper, card and food) should mean less cross contamination of waste. And the initiative supports the UK's net zero goals by managing waste more efficiently.
When it Could be a Problem
If you're clearing a house after a bereavement, the last thing you want to do is figure out which of the six new recycling streams a 20 year old kitchen cupboard falls into. And mixing food waste or "wrong" plastics in a big clear out can now lead to council fines or refused collections.
In high-volume clearances, such as hoarder or probate situations, sorting can be very difficult for an individual, particularly if you need to do it within a certain timeframe (for example, for hygiene reasons, or to put a property on the market).
Even if you know which items to put into which bin, the volume involved may mean you can’t fit everything in. This in turn could lead to a trip down the local waste recycling centre, which may still have its own rules and regulations (and, if it’s not your 'home' area, you may not know where the centre is anyway).
Why Professional Clearance Companies Can Help
Clearance companies such as ASAP use professional waste transfer stations to ensure Simpler Recycling compliance automatically. And by using a Licensed Waste Carrier (again, this applies to ASAP), you are guaranteed that the principal goal of the new scheme - that of keeping waste out of landfill sites - is met.
Contact ASAP Clearances
So whether you're in Barnet or Borehamwood, Hampstead or Hendon, the rules are aligning. At ASAP, we know exactly what your local authority requires, ensuring your property is cleared without leaving a mess of uncollected bins behind. And we will actively sort through your items to find any reusable goods. We donate as much as possible to individuals or charities to ensure as little waste as possible goes to landfill.
For more information about our professional house clearance services in Highgate and further afield, follow this link, or call us today on 020 3475 0508. We can also help with probate and hoarding house clearances.
FAQs On House Clearances
Q: I'm clearing a house for probate - do I have to follow these new rules?
A: Yes. Whether it's your own home or a property you are managing, all households in England must now separate food waste and the "core six" dry recyclables (glass, metal, plastic, paper, card and food) – assuming the relevant local authority has now joined the Simpler Recycling scheme.
Q: What other clearance services does ASAP Clearances offer?
A: Apart from commercial, probate and hoarding house clearances, at ASAP we can also clear up garden waste and construction waste, and we can help with block management waste as well. For more details, call us on 020 3475 0508.
Q: What is the current progress with the Simpler Recycling scheme?
A: It has been estimated that 86% of councils are on track to be fully compliant with the scheme by the end of 2026. Around 80 local authorities are thought to have received extensions to the March 2026 deadline.
All information is correct at the time of writing