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Environmental Services Newsletter
March 2026

Simpler Recycling

You may have heard about 'Simpler Recycling' on the news, on the radio or even on social media. 

This government-led scheme is an initiative to standardise waste collection across England to improve recycling rates and reduce confusion over what you can and can't put into your bins.

The 'Simpler Recycling' changes will be implemented on 31 March 2026, but in Maidstone, we have already made a lot of these changes, including weekly collections of food waste. Under the new scheme, we will be adding more items you can put in your recycling bin!

Here is some guidance from Maidstone Borough Council (MBC) to address some common points and questions that have been raised by our residents and readers:

Will the new system will be easy to use?

Yes, the new system will be easy to use because it is largely staying the same for our residents. There will be no changes to your waste collection cycles.

Will 'Simpler Recycling' change what we can recycle?

Yes, in addition to the current list of recyclable materials, you will also be able to add
Tetra Pak cartons to your dry mix recycling. Like all recycling, make sure the cartons are empty and place them loose in the recycling bin.

Will we have another wheelie bin?

No, you won't have another wheelie bin. In Maidstone, you will continue to have one bin for recycling, one bin for waste and one smaller caddy for your food waste.

Will we have to separate the recycling into different boxes?

No, you won't need to separate the recycling into different boxes. You will still be able to place all your clean, dry recycling into one recycling bin. Materials must be placed in your recycling bin loose, with no plastic bags at all.

Will the new system change my collection day?

There will be no round changes as a result of the new system, and your collection day will stay the same. There will be very minimal changes for Maidstone residents. 

Will this change where the recycling goes to?

There will be no changes as your recycling will still be sorted by the largest Material Recovery Facility (MRF) in Europe at Crayford.

Where can I ask for more help?

If you are unclear on what or how to recycle by using your household collection system, please contact recycling@maidstone.gov.uk

Fire safety information

Last week, the MBC Waste Management Team visited the Crayford MRF to check on preparations for Simpler Recycling and the quality of recycling currently being delivered. 

Do you know what one of their biggest problems is?

It's batteries!

Batteries are a huge fire risk and should NEVER be placed in your wheelie bin!

Dispose of your batteries by taking them to any local superstore.

If a shop sells batteries, by law, they must have a container to collect them.

Data for March

When we deliver mixed recycling to the MRF, it is checked for quality and it must meet their input standards. If it does not pass the quality check, the load can be rejected and will be disposed of as waste.

We monitor the rejected tonnage as an indication of how well people are recycling, and how we can provide more support and guidance.

The national average MRF rejection rate is around 14%, and Maidstone is generally hitting below that figure, so thank you to Maidstone residents for recycling responsibly. Take a look at our 2025 performance in the graph below.

How can you help us to improve?

Please use your recycling bin for dry clean recycling only. That means no food, no plastic bags, no nappies and no black bags. Thank you!

Food Waste Action Week

The Love Food Hate Waste team is running the Food Waste Action Week from 9-15 March! 

The week is all about giving you useful tips on making your food go further!

In support and celebration of the campaign, we have extended our food caddy package offer below.

Good news!

Our caddy package deal is still available for £9! 

The package inlcudes:

A 23-Litre external caddy

A 5-Litre internal caddy (assorted colours)

A roll of compostable bags

Fridge magnet with some useful tips

Food bag clip

Service information leaflets

This offer is available to Maidstone residents only.

Additional information links

Our quote for March

"We buy things we don't need, with money we don't have, to impress people we don't like."

(Dave Ramsey - Financial expert, author and TV host)

Thank you for your feedback!

P&M of ME17

"Thank you for collecting our bulky waste.

"We are delighted with the prompt and efficient service, including the reminders of the collection date. An excellent service."

Mr B of ME15

"Today's bins were emptied earlier than usual and I hadn't even put them out!

"The crew retrieved them from the garden which was extremely pleasing.
Please pass on my thanks to the team."

We are here to help. If you have any questions, or if you have a recycling or waste subject that you would like us to cover, please get in touch.

Recycling@Maidstone.gov.uk

Thanks for reading our Environmental Services update. If you enjoyed reading this months newsletter, please copy to friends, so they can sign up as well.

Other newsletters from Maidstone Borough Council include: 

Climate Change and Biodiversity – everything to do with sustainability

What’s On in Maidstone – for all events

News – to keep up to date

Consultations – share your views

Visit Maidstone – the best places to visit and stay 

Business in Maidstone – workshops, events and business support 

Planning – updates on recent planning decisions

Maidstone Museum - news, updates and events from Maidstone Museum