England to add plastic film and bags to curbside recycling from March 2027

From 31 March 2027, councils across England will collect plastic bags, crisp packets and other plastic film together with other kerbside plastics. The change follows a new rule that requires waste‑collection lorries to separate four streams: food and garden waste, paper and card, dry recyclables such as glass, metal and plastic, and residual waste for energy recovery or landfill.

Authorities say the move will reduce contamination and increase the amount of material that can be re‑used. Residents who continue to place non‑recyclable items in the plastics bin may first receive educational warnings, with possible refusal of collection before any formal fines are issued. Lancashire County Council cautioned that “metal‑coated plastic like crisp packets … cannot be recycled either and should be placed in your normal waste”, while London Recycles added that crisp packets should go into the rubbish bin because they are metallised plastic film that cannot yet be recycled at home.