Full list of 11 banned essentials that will cost £200 to chuck in green bins under new rules – including toothpaste

THE full list of 11 essential items banned from green bins has been revealed ahead of new rules coming into force next year.

Households in England that flout the new “Simpler Recycling” rules could be hit with a penalty.

The Government is introducing the regulations as part of its drive to achieve net zero by 2050

That penalty could increase up to £200, according to one expert.

The new laws are already in place for businesses. Those that do not comply with the new Simpler Recycling regulations could face hefty fines and civil sanctions.

This ranges from £110 fixed penalty notice to a £5,000 fine or more for business owners.

The switch, due to come into force for households next year, will force properties to use four distinct bins.

The Government is introducing the regulations as part of its net-zero drive.

This is the strategy that sets out policies and proposals for decarbonising all sectors of the UK economy to meet the target by 2050.

The fresh rules are scheduled to begin from March 2026.

The new default requirement for most households and workplaces will be four containers for:

Residual (non-recyclable) waste.

Food waste (mixed with garden waste if appropriate).

Paper and card.

All other dry recyclable materials (plastic, metal and glass).

The latter may be various container types, including bags, bins or stackable boxes.

One expert has outlined the 11 essential items that if left in green bins could trigger the £200 penalty.

Waste specialist James Ward from Wheeldon Brothers warned certain items cannot be recycled.

He explained: “Common misconceptions about recycled items are animal waste, disposable nappies, glass cookware, ovenware, drinking glasses, ceramics and sticky tape.

“Items like tissues, wet wipes, cotton buds, and cotton wool are also unsuitable for recycling.

“They should be disposed of in waste bins to prevent contamination.”

He added: “Individuals need to be aware of what items are unsuitable for recycling, as ignoring this can lead to potential fines.”

Mr Ward said: “Despite being plastic-based, toothpaste tubes require specialised recycling methods not typically offered through kerbside collection.

“Instead, consumers can explore take-back schemes facilitated by manufacturers and retailers, diverting toothpaste tubes from general recycling bins to designated recycling channels.

“While your council may accept plastic bottles for recycling, other forms of plastic packaging like wrappers or containers might not cut it depending on the council.

“These items, though recyclable, require specialised processing beyond what’s available locally, adding to disposal costs.

“It’s a reminder to explore alternative disposal methods or utilise designated recycling centres for these materials.”

The Government has confirmed that a four-bin system will represent “the maximum default requirement and is not expected to increase in the future”.

A spokesperson for the Government said: “This is a sensible, pragmatic approach to the collection of materials for every household and business in England.

“We will make recycling easier: citizens will be able to recycle the same materials across England whether at home, work or school, and will no longer need to check what is accepted for recycling in their local area.

“A universal standard will ensure that everything that can be collected for household recycling is collected in every region.”

Simpler Recycling has been designed to address the unique challenges in England, drawing inspiration from the successful strategies already in place in Scotland and Wales.