Things to watch in 2026
As we move into 2026, waste and recycling regulations across the UK and EU continue to evolve, changing how waste is managed, tracked, and funded.
Recycling Rules: From Businesses to Homes
In 2025, new UK recycling legislation under the Environmental Act required businesses in England with 10+ employees to separate food waste, dry mixed recyclables (paper, card, plastic, metal and glass), and general waste by 31 March 2025.
In 2026, this approach will extend to households, creating a more consistent national recycling system. Residents will be expected to:
- Separate food waste (collected weekly)
- Recycle paper and card
- Recycle glass, metal, plastic, and cartons
- Separate general waste
Plastic film packaging and plastic bags will need to be collected with plastic recycling from 31 March 2027. More information can be found here.
What this means for you as a supplier:
Suppliers should expect greater scrutiny on packaging and product materials. Clear labelling, recyclable formats, and simplified packaging will become increasingly important as customers are required to separate waste more carefully. Suppliers may also find an increase in demand for home recycling bins and caddies to help households separate waste.
Plastic Wet Wipes Ban
To reduce plastic pollution, new legislation will ban the sale of wet wipes containing plastic across the UK and Ireland:
- Scotland: 30 April 2026
- Ireland: June 2026
- Wales: 18 December 2026
- England: 2027
Suppliers of wipes and hygiene products will need to ensure products are fully plastic-free and compliant ahead of these deadlines.
