Simpler recycling
From 31 March 2026, recycling in Ashfield is becoming simpler
New national rules mean more of your everyday packaging can now be recycled at home, making it simpler to do the right thing.
You’ll be able to recycle a wider range of items, including more plastics, cartons, paper, card and metal packaging, so less of your waste needs to go in the general bin. These changes are designed to remove confusion and make recycling simple.
So from 31 March, check the updated guidance and start adding those newly accepted items. Together we can keep Ashfield cleaner, greener, and recycling more than ever.
Domestic waste
From 7 October 2025 we’re updating our bin collection schedule to support the rollout of the Simpler Recycling legislation happening nationwide.
Will this affect you?
Not everyone will see changes, so it’s important to check your updated collection calendar.
What to do next:
- Look out for your new bin calendar arriving soon
- Use our bin collection checker to find your updated collection days
- See the Frequently asked questions on this page for answers to common questions and to help avoid any confusion.
- link: Bin calendar
Trade Waste
From 7 October 2025, we’re also updating our trade waste collection schedule to support the rollout of the Simpler Recycling legislation being introduced nationally.
What this means for your business:
- Your collection day may change.
- These changes are designed to improve efficiency and support national recycling improvements.
What to expect:
- You’ll receive a leaflet outlining your new collection schedule.
- We’ll also send you an email with full details and a link this page with the Frequently asked questions, which answers common questions and helps avoid any confusion.
- link: Commercial and Trade waste
Frequently asked questions
Frequently asked questions
Simpler Recycling is a new national requirement designed to make recycling easier and more consistent. For the first time, all councils in England must collect the same set of core recyclable materials. This helps reduce confusion, improve recycling rates, and ensure more materials are recovered instead of going to landfill.
Under Simpler Recycling, the following core materials must be collected for recycling:
- Paper and card
- Newspapers, magazines, envelopes, cardboard boxes, packaging sleeves
- Plastic packaging
- Cartons
- Tetrapak
- Bottles, pots, tubs, trays
- Metal packaging
- Tins, cans, foil, empty aerosols
The following items are not part of the national core materials list and should not be placed in your recycling bin:
- Carrier bags, wrappers, cling film, black plastic containers
- Black bags or general waste
- Nappies and sanitary products
- Textiles and clothing
- Batteries and electrical items
- Polystyrene
If you’re unsure, place the item in your general waste bin or check the Council’s website for guidance.
Yes. Please ensure items are clean, empty, and free from food residue. This helps prevent contamination and ensures more materials can be successfully recycled.
The current routes that we use have had to be revised due to the increase in property growth in the Ashfield area and to help us align with the new waste changes that are happening nationally.
The new collections will begin on Tuesday 7 October. Please check your new bin collection day using our postcode checker and wait for the arrival of your new collection calendar.
Some residents will see changes to their bin collection days, but not everyone. We recommend checking your new collection day using our bin collection checker.
No, the collection frequency of your bins will stay the same as they are now.
A calendar with your new collection schedule will be delivered to your property but you can also check your new collection day by using our bin collection checker.
If your bin is put out on the wrong day it won’t be collected, we will make sure you receive a calendar that shows your new collection schedule Please check your new collection schedule and set a reminder to avoid missed collections.
Your bin may now be collected earlier or later than usual on your new day. Please ensure your bin is out by 6 am on collection day to avoid missed pick ups.
Some properties will receive collections closer together and others further apart during the changeover in October, the first general collection you receive we will take an additional 2 black bags to help with the transition.
No, you do not need to re-apply, only your collection day could be changing any additional services you have set up with us will stay the same.
Yes the crews will now be working 6am - 4pm so your collection will be between these hours.
As the crews will be working until 4pm we ask that you wait until then to report any bin missed.
This is new legislation being introduced nationally by central government to:
- Make recycling consistent across England
- Reduce confusion about what can be recycled
- Improve recycling rates
- Reduce contamination in recycling bins
- Recover more valuable materials instead of sending them to landfill
Page last updated 12 March 2026