Households nationwide have been warned of a major change to rubbish collection rules.

A new bin collection system will replace the "muddled and confusing" practices presented to Brits for years, the Labour Government said.

It means that from March 31, 2025, most properties will have a maximum of four bins collected:

• Residual non-recycling waste
• Food waste, which can be mixed with garden waste
• Paper and card recycling
• Dry recyclables, including glass, metal and plastic

The change aims to minimise confusion about bin collections around the country and is expected to be in force across England by March 2026.

The new rules also mean "bad-smelling food waste" will be collected from all English households "at least" once a week.

According to the Government's ' Simpler Recycling in England ' policy update, the rubbish can be collected from either bags, bins or stackable boxes.

Businesses employing over 10 people will be required to sort their waste into the new categories from next month. At the same time, those with fewer than 10 staff members will have until March 2027 to arrange for separate rubbish disposal.

Labour has criticised the existing collection system, allowing local councils to decide how to separate waste, including different recyclables.

The new policy has also reversed the Conservative's 2023 proposal to introduce seven bins for glass, paper and cardboard, metal, plastic, garden waste, food waste, and general rubbish.

The Government described the existing approach to bin collections as "a muddled and confusing patchwork", tantamount to a "postcode lottery".

The new approach has also been designed to increase recycling rates across England, which have stagnated at around 44% since 2015.

A four-bin policy will be "the maximum default requirement and is not expected to increase in the future", the Government said.

"However, councils and other waste collectors will still have the flexibility to make the best choices to suit local needs.

"This is a sensible, pragmatic approach to the collection of materials for every household and business in England."