Update to simpler recycling rules in England
With just months to go until new commercial recycling rules – known as ‘Simpler Recycling’ - come into effect across England, the government has issued an update on the legislation and some key changes that will be a part of the roll out on 31st March 2025.
WHAT ARE THE LATEST CHANGES?
On 29th November 2024, a government policy announcement was released clarifying the approach to Simpler Recycling regulations in England. The ‘default requirement’ for both households and workplaces will now be four containers instead of three.
What are the Simpler Recycling rules for businesses?
Recycling in England is changing. In a nutshell, from 31st March 2025, businesses in England with more than 10 full-time employees – including healthcare establishments and academic institutions – must separate recyclable materials, food waste and, as of the most recent update, paper and card from general waste under Section 57 of the Environment Act 2021. This means facilities will need to separate waste at source into four streams for collection from March onwards:
- Dry recyclables (glass, metal and plastic)
- Paper and cardboard
- Food waste
- Residual (general) waste
What are the changes to the Simpler Recycling rules?
The key change, for both households and commercial waste disposal, is that paper and cardboard will need to be collected as a separate waste stream, rather than alongside other dry recyclables and food waste, meaning that four streams must now be stored and presented for collection by a waste contractor separately.
How can businesses prepare for legislation?
Now that more details have been confirmed and the guidance is clear, businesses must act or risk facing hefty fines if they are not compliant in time. With just months to go, there’s never been a better time to implement an efficient, multi-stream recycling system and start reaping the benefits of better recycling, which include reduced waste management costs and improved sustainability.
Here are our tips on how to prepare for legislation.
Ensure you understand your legal obligations
All too often legislation can be overly complicated and with potential changes to the law it’s important to make sure you understand your business’ legal obligations. We’ve simplified the legislation into an easy-to-read guide which you can download here.
Future proof your waste management system
Opt for modular recycling stations that allow you to separate waste into the appropriate streams easily. Modular units allow you to tailor your solutions to each area of your facility, implementing the streams you need in the areas you need them. Plus, if your needs change, say there are legislative changes you need to consider, you can easily adapt your bins without having to reinvest in an entirely new system.
Invest in the right bins
With different streams being generated in different areas a one-bin-fits-all approach isn’t going to work. We have lots of different options suited to different business needs. Not sure where to start? The refuse product selector tool will help you identify the best bins for the job.
Make sure you understand your legal obligations with our guide and read the government update in detail here.
