A new Household Recycling Code of Practice

Alongside service standards, the Code includes operational guidance intended to support consistent service delivery while recognising local circumstances. This guidance covers areas such as recommended waste receptacle colours, accessibility, staff training and safety, and the use of a "TEEP" assessment to determine whether particular approaches are technically, economically and environmentally practicable.

The Code proposes a set of nationally recommended colours for recycling and waste containers to improve recognition and make communications easier. However, local authorities would not be expected to replace existing containers solely to achieve colour consistency and would be encouraged to adopt recommended colours only when services change or containers reach the end of their operational life.

The proposed recommended colours are listed below:

For more information, please see the Household Recycling Code of Practice (Operational Guidance) section of the consultation document.