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A significant change to recycling across England has come into effect, as certain common food waste items are no longer required to be collected. Households have been warned to familiarise themselves with the new bin regulations to avoid being caught off guard when disposing of everyday items.

If you don't follow the latest guidelines, your bin might not be collected. The UK's Simpler Recycling reforms, introduced under the Environment Act 2021, have imposed mandatory and consistent recycling requirements for both businesses and households throughout England. Separate collections are now required for food waste, paper and card, glass, metal and plastic.

Local councils must provide straightforward guidance on what can and cannot be recycled, though some authorities remain exempt until at least 2040.

It is essential to check whether the new regulations apply in your area. Under the new rules, local authorities are no longer obliged to recycle a number of widely used food items.

Items including pet food pouches and coffee pouches are no longer required to be collected for recycling by local authorities. These items can instead be disposed of in your general household waste bin.

For those wishing to recycle baby food, pet food and detergent pouches, these can be dropped off at selected retailers. Recycle Now noted: "Some coffee pouches are currently recyclable at plastic bags and wrapping collection points. Check the packet for recycling guidance."

Food in packaging labelled as "compostable" or "biodegradable" does not need to be placed in recycling bins. This includes coffee pods.

Recycle Now said: "Coffee, tea and hot chocolate pods are made of recyclable materials, but because they are too small for most sorting machinery and contain 'organic' material, they need to be collected separately to ensure they reach the correct recycling facility."

Podback is a non-for-profit recycling service offering drop-off points at local authority recycling centres, supermarkets and coffee shops for disposing of these items responsibly.

Food and drink cartons containing more than 5% plastic should be placed with plastic waste rather than paper and cardboard. Despite being made of paperboard, they do contain plastic elements.

These cartons are commonly used for milk, juice and soup products. Always check the back of the packaging to confirm you are disposing of them in the correct bins, or your collection may be refused.

Under the new regulations, local authorities are not obliged to collect tea bags or ground coffee for recycling. Instead, these items can be placed in your food waste bin or added to your own compost heap at home.