The UK government aims to address the issue of wishcycling, where recycling processes are affected by the inclusion of non-recyclable items, by urging individuals to send only recyclable materials, thus minimizing waste sorting and landfill usage.

The government has listed some common items that are often wrongly placed in recycling, such as crisp packets, juice cartons, dirty takeaway boxes, and toothpaste tubes, which require specialized recycling methods or are too contaminated, necessitating their disposal at large recycling centers. The government also plans a separate collection for paper and cardboard, plastics, metal cans, glass bottles, and jars, and two separate recycling bins for food and garden waste. The guidance's complete details are set to be published this summer.

The Local Government Association (LGA) in the UK has urged for clearer guidance regarding compostable and biodegradable plastics, which cannot be recycled with other plastics. The Department for Environment, Food, and Rural Affairs (Defra) initiated a consultation two years prior to streamline the regulations surrounding these materials. The LGA is now requesting additional funding to effectively manage the implementation of the new rules.

The government is also keen on collaborating with food manufacturers to improve the clarity of packaging labels to help individuals differentiate between items suitable for their household recycling bin; those that should be taken to larger recycling points like tips and items that should be placed in the main trash bin.