Simpler Recycling - is your business ready?

We're just weeks away until the new Simpler Recycling regulations come into force on 31 March 2025. Is your business ready?  

Learn more about the upcoming changes and how our team can help ensure your business is fully compliant in time.





 

What is Simpler Recycling and why is it happening?

'Simpler Recycling' is the name given by the Government to a set of new waste regulations. It aims to increase recycling by standardising and simplifying what is collected for recycling across England, and by removing recyclable material from general waste so it can be collected separately for recycling.

When will it come into effect?

If your business has 10 or more full-time employees, you will need to comply by 31 March 2025.

Small businesses with fewer than 10 full-time employees are temporarily exempt and have until 31 March 2027 to comply.

Does it apply to every business?

The new rules apply to all businesses, healthcare establishments and academic institutions.  This includes:

• offices 
• retail and wholesale 
• transport and storage 
• hospitality, such as cafes, restaurants, and hotels 
• places of education, such as schools, colleges, and universities 
• healthcare places, such as GP surgeries and hospitals 
• care homes  
• charities and those registered as charities  
• places of worship 
• penal institutes 
• charity shops
• residential hostels
• premises used only or mainly for public meetings 

This is not a complete list. If you are unsure on whether the rules apply to your business contact our team and they will be able to help you. 

Which waste streams need to be collected separately?

Food waste - for example plate scrapings, tea bags, coffee grinds, peelings and off-cuts, unusable food waste.  Find out more about our dedicated food waste recycling service.  

Dry mixed recyclables which include metal, plastic, paper, card and glass. These items can all go into one container and do not have to be individually segregated. Our dedicated mixed recycling service accepts a whole range of items in one bin and will ensure your business can recycle as much as possible.

My business only produces a small amount of waste, do the new regulations still apply?

Yes, the new regulations will affect all businesses regardless of the quantity, so you'll still need to follow them even if you only produce a small amount of waste. 

Our team will work with you to ensure you have the right level of service for your waste volumes. 

What if my business has multiple sites?

All businesses with 10 or more full-time employees must comply by 31 March 2025, regardless of how many employees are on site at one time.

The number of full-time equivalent employment is calculated on a business basis, not on a site-by-site basis, which means that if you have more than 10 full-time employees across multiple sites, the rules still apply.

What will happen if my business is non-compliant?

If you do not comply with the requirements by 31 March 2025 (or 31 March 2027 for small businesses), you are at risk of receiving a compliance notice from the Environment Agency and may face financial penalties.  The details are yet to be confirmed.

Making Simpler Recycling simple for your business

Whilst these changes represent a major shift in how businesses need to manage their waste, our experienced and dedicated team are on hand so you can make the changes quickly, simply, and in the most cost-effective way.

Whether you are an existing or new customer, we can offer support every step of the way.

Don't wait until it's too late. Contact us today to ensure your business is compliant in time.