Ministers today outlined proposals to introduce consistent and standardised rules across the country for what can and cannot be recycled – mirroring a recommendation from the UK’s first-ever National Infrastructure Assessment.

In a consultation published today, Environment Secretary Michael Gove proposes that glass bottles and containers, paper and card, plastic bottles, pots, tubs and trays would be collected from all homes – with the possibility that the colour of bins for separating recyclable waste would also be standardised.

The proposals also include that all homes would benefit from weekly food waste collections by 2023.

Today’s consultation includes measures recommended in the UK’s first-ever National Infrastructure Assessment, which proposed a target for recycling 65 per cent of municipal waste and three quarters of all plastic packaging by 2030.

Responding, a National Infrastructure Commission spokesperson said:

“Our research shows clear public support for further action to tackle waste and recycle more – so today’s proposals are a welcome step towards achieving that.

“Our National Infrastructure Assessment – the first of its kind for the UK – includes these proposals and more to help meet key targets for two thirds of all municipal waste and three quarters of all plastic packaging to be recycled by 2030.  We look forward to seeing how these are adopted through the measures the Government is look to take, and through the country’s first-ever National Infrastructure Strategy due later this year.”

Notes to Editors:

Details of the National Infrastructure Assessment recommendations on cutting waste and boosting recycling rates can be found here