Simpler Recycling

New waste legislation, Simpler Recycling, will come into effect from 1 April 2024 that will affect businesses and non-household premises such as schools, hospitals, and similar organisations.

This initiative is designed to simplify recycling efforts and clarify what materials can and cannot be recycled, ensuring consistency across homes, workplaces, and educational institutions. 

Full details of this can be found at GOV.UK - Simpler recycling: workplace recycling in England

Key changes

The legislation requires the segregation and separate collection of the following materials for recycling: 

• Cardboard 
• Paper 
• Plastics (excluding plastic film) 
• Metal (cans, tins, and foil) 
• Glass
• Food waste 

Implementation timeline

By 31 March 2025

Businesses and non-household premises with 10 or more full-time equivalent employees must implement a recycling and collection system for the above materials. 

By 31st March 2027

All businesses and non-household premises must recycle the materials above, with the inclusion of plastic film. 

Preparing for compliance

We recommend the following steps to prepare for these changes: 

Analyse your waste streams

Identify recyclable materials currently disposed of in general waste. You can do this by conducting a waste audit.

To find out how to conduct a waste audit visit Business of Recycling - how to conduct a waste audit.

Assess storage space

Plan for additional bins, such as: 

• two containers for dry recyclables (e.g. plastic/cans/glass and cardboard/paper) 
• one for food waste (if applicable) 
• one for non-recyclable general waste

Please note: extra bins cannot be stored on highways or footpaths, as this may cause obstructions or impact the local area.

Businesses or organisations that do not produce food waste will be exempt from food waste collection requirements. However, this exemption does not apply to food consumed on-site. 

Support and services

Immediate recycling collections are available and we will be happy to help you arrange this if you do not already have these in place. 

Food waste collections will be available from 1 April 2025. We will not be able to offer a collection before this date but please contact us to register your interest in advance. We will contact you once we have identified the demand for the service

Contact telephone number: 01772 906221.

Cost Implications

With disposal costs for landfill waste set to rise significantly, segregating recyclables can help reduce your waste management expenses and support compliance with the legislation. 

We will keep you updated with any further guidance we receive from the government. In the meantime, we encourage you to start planning for these changes.

If you need assistance implementing a compliant recycling system, please contact us well before the implementation deadlines to ensure timely support.