Residents can recycle more in blue bins and waste less thanks to service changes

Starting from April 1, Liverpool residents will be able to recycle a broader range of household items as part of an enhancement to the existing recycling collection service. This initiative is designed to encourage greater recycling participation, reduce overall waste, and contribute to environmental sustainability. Residents simply need to become familiar with the new list of recyclable materials and place them in their blue recycling bins on their usual collection day, which remains unchanged.

These improvements align with the Government’s Simpler Recycling framework introduced under the Environment Act 2021. The legislation aims to standardize recycling collections across England so that everyone can recycle the same basic materials. This consistency is intended to reduce confusion, boost recycling rates, and support national goals, including reaching a 65% municipal recycling rate by 2035 and achieving Net Zero emissions targets.

With the updated service, items such as biscuit tins, aerosol sprays, foil, plastic food pots, tubs, trays, and Tetra-Paks will become acceptable in the blue bins. After collection, mixed recycling materials continue to be sorted at a Materials Recovery Facility before being sent to specialized recycling centers where they are processed into new packaging and products. However, certain items like crisp packets, plastic bags, and drinking glasses still cannot be recycled through the household service.

Councillor Laura Robertson-Collins, Cabinet Member for Communities, Neighbourhoods and Streetscene, expressed optimism about the change, stating, “Over the past few months, we’ve seen a real improvement in recycling across Liverpool. People have told us that they’re keen to recycle more but want to be able to put more items into their blue recycling bins. From April, this will be possible for all households in the city. Yogurt pots, juice cartons and plastic trays will all be collected as part of your regular recycling before being taken away to be made into something new. By recycling more together, we can help create a cleaner, greener Liverpool.” Similarly, Lesley Worswick, Chief Executive of MRWA and Co-Lead of the LCR Waste & Resources Partnership, highlighted the benefits of these changes: “These changes are a fantastic step forward, making it simpler for residents to recycle more and waste less directly from home. Reducing confusion around everyday items – such as aerosols, yoghurt pots, food trays, foil and Tetra-Paks – helps us all protect the environment and ensures more of our waste is transformed into valuable new products.”

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