Prepare Your Business for the New Simpler Recycling Legislation

Prepare Your Business for the New Simpler Recycling Legislation

The Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (DEFRA) recently unveiled a groundbreaking change to recycling legislation. This new law means businesses in England will be responsible for collecting and separating waste prior to collection. These changes aim to decrease landfill, reduce contamination of waste and also benefit the environment to meet net zero targets. The introduction of the Simpler Recycling Legislation will be staggered across the next three years, our handy blog explains at what point your business will be expected to comply.

What is the new Simpler Recycling Legislation and how will it affect how businesses dispose of waste?

By 31st March 2025, all businesses and relevant non-domestic premises with 10 or more full-time employees must separate waste into the following groups prior to collection -

Food Waste – Any food that is disposed of on your premises from canteens to employee leftovers must now be disposed separately from general waste and a separate collection organised.

Recycling – Dry recyclables such as plastic and aluminium can be grouped together as one collection. Small amounts of paper & card can be included if your selected waste collector has passed an assessment – if not then a separate collection will be required.

Glass – If your business generates any glass waste then a separate bin and collection will be required.

General Waste – For any other non-recyclable waste then a general waste bin will also be required.
 

The Simpler Recycling Legislation aims to improve recycling rates and reduce waste by:

• Standardising and simplifying what is collected for recycling in the UK.
• Reducing confusion about what can and can’t be recycled.
• Removing recyclable materials from general waste so it can be collected separately for recycling.
• Reducing contamination within recycling bins. 

The Simpler Recycling Timeline - 

DEFRA have decided to stagger the implementation of Simpler Recycling to give certain organisations more time to become compliant. Over the coming years there are three key dates to prepare for -

• From March 31st, 2025 – Businesses, schools, hospitals and other non-household municipal premises with more than 10 employees must separate general waste and dry mixed recycling prior to collection and includes a new separate stream for food waste recycling.
• From March 31st, 2026 - Local authorities must implement standardised recycling collections, including weekly household food waste collections.
• From March 31st, 2027 – Small businesses with fewer than 10 employees must be compliant to the new rules. Plastic film will also be included as part of the plastic waste stream.

What changes when the new recycling legislation is in place?

For most businesses, the biggest change will be that you can no longer use a general waste bin to dispose of recyclable waste and food waste. If food waste and recyclable materials are not separated from general waste prior to collection, then the waste is considered contaminated. The business may be refused collection and run the risk of being issued a compliance notice by the Environment Agency and potentially face fines or prosecution. If your business is currently disposing of any of the below groups in general waste, then from 31st March 2025 they will need to be separated into one of the below groups prior to collection –

Metal (Recycling)

• Steel & aluminium tins, cans, jars & lids
• Aluminium foil & food trays
• Aerosol cans

Plastic (Recycling)

• Plastic bottles, pots, tubs and trays
• Polyethylene & polypropylene tubs larger than 50mm x 50mm
• Cartons for food, drinks and other liquids
• Plastic film packaging and plastic bags from 31st March 2027

Paper & Card (Recycling – If your chosen waste collector has completed an assessment) 

• Most paper, card & cardboard

If your business collects more of a certain specific recyclable stream such as cardboard it is advised to have separate containers rather than filling the dry mixed recycling bin up quickly and creating space to carefully recycle the other recycling streams.

Food Waste 

• Plate scrapings, leftovers or any food waste prepared on-site or brought onto the premises
• Tea bags & coffee grinds
• Peelings

Glass

• Glass bottles & jars

General Waste

• Dry non-recyclable packaging & waste
• Non-hazardous waste

How Slingsby can help with your business comply with the new Simpler Recycling Legislation?

At Slingsby, we stock a vast range of food waste bins, including food caddies for collecting segregated food waste. We also have kitchen bins with multiple compartments perfect for separating food leftovers and packaging.

Discover our wide range of recycling bins, perfect for collecting different types of recyclable waste. This includes our colour-coded recycling bins, which are great for creating easy to identify areas for employees to dispose of waste in the correct locations. We also offer a range of recycling and waste stickers so you can create your own recycling stations with any bins.

Other ways to prepare for the new Simpler Recycling Legislation - 

• Review your waste collection services: Assess your current waste collection points and disposal practices to identify any areas where you need to implement changes to make it simpler for employees to follow.
• Develop a waste management plan: Create a plan that outlines how you will comply with the Simpler Recycling reforms. This plan should include details on your food waste collection methods, waste storage, and disposal procedures.
• Invest in recycling infrastructure: Invest in new recycling bins, recycling signage, and other infrastructure to support the recycling process across your business. Simplifying how waste is collected is crucial for successful recycling programs.
• Educate your employees: Make sure your employees are aware of the Simpler Recycling reforms and the environmental benefits to help your business comply.
   

At Slingsby we offer a large range of waste and recycling bins to suit premises of all sizes. From our 240L outdoor recycling bins store to our slim recycling bin sets you’ll be sure to find something in our range of recycling bins.

If you’re looking for further assistance in improving your businesses waste management strategy or preparing for the Simpler Recycling Legislation we would love to help. Our team includes our expert Business Development Managers who are on hand to visit your site across the UK and our award-winning customer service team who can be contacted on 0800 294 4440 or .