Easy April 5 recycling mistake could cost householders £80 fine

Easy April 5 recycling mistake could cost householders £80 fineFigures show almost half of adults do not know what can be recycled but getting it wrong can run the risk of a fixed penalty of up to £80 - or more for repeat offendersCommentsNewsElaine Blackburne Network Content Editor05:00, 04 Apr 2026View 3 ImagesMany households have several bins to use(Image: Elaine Blackburne)Householders who incorrectly dispose of their rubbish could find it proves costly with the risk of an £80 fine. Yet research shows almost half of adults are unsure of what goes in which bin.‌And while people can get used to what day-to-day items can be recycled when special occasions with festive treats come along it can leave them unaware and at risk of breaking the rules. As Easter nears, consumers are expected to buy an estimated 381.5 million chocolate eggs throughout the lead up, which means habits, like checking packaging labels and planning ahead, can make a big difference.‌Kelvin Croney, Group Chief Commercial Officer at commercial waste firm Waste Managed, said: "New research indicates that just under half of UK adults struggle to tell what is and isn’t recyclable, which is particularly worrying around occasions when we generate more waste, such as Easter. While these holidays should be enjoyed, I urge you to have a think about the environmental impact your waste habits could be having.”‌View 3 ImagesKelvin Croney has advice on what to do with your waste(Image: Waste Managed)“While recycling can be confusing, for residential waste, it is up to your local authority to provide clear guidance on what can and cannot be recycled in each waste stream. Any penalty for incorrect disposal is a civil penalty, not a criminal fine, although fixed penalty notices can be given totalling between £60 - £80. These notices, however, can only be issued after a written warning and where incorrect presentation of waste is causing an issue.”“For businesses, the Environmental Agency regulates waste, an...