Waste collection update for businesses
As of March 31st, 2025 workplace recycling in England changed with the introduction of new Simpler Recycling from the Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, (Defra).
Initially introduced in 2023 Simpler Recycling is intended to end the confusion on what can and cannot be recycled. All businesses, and relevant non-domestic premises such as schools and hospitals, with 10 or more full-time employees must separate out waste to save valuable resources from ending up in landfill.
Food waste, plastic, paper and card, glass and metals – including cans, tins and foils must all be separated out from general waste to aid in supporting a circular economy and ensuring the same set of materials are collected everywhere in England.
The rule of 10 employees relates to a total business regardless of the number of sites within a business. So, if there are four sites each with three full-time employees, they must still adhere to Simpler Recycling regulations.
Businesses with a total of employees fewer than 10 have until 31st March 2027 and Local Authorities have until end March 2026 to implement the requirements for all residents.
The new default will be for FOUR containers.
- Residual, non-recyclable waste
- Food waste, mixed with garden waste
- Paper and card
- All other dry recyclable materials – metal, glass, plastic
Defra says that with this new requirement for recycling will be easier for everyone, with citizens able to recycle the same materials across England whether at work, home or school.
This new initiative is aimed at moving the country towards a zero waste, circular economy where resources are kept in use longer, waste is reduced, we accelerate the path to net zero and nature thrives.
Running alongside this new Simpler Recycling scheme is the recently introduced EPR for packaging and the Deposit Return Scheme for drinks containers.
Non-compliance of these Simpler Recycling requirements may put you at risk of receiving a compliance notice from the Environment Agency (EA). Compliance notices can also be issued against those not separating their waste in agreement with the waste collector who have a legal duty to ensure that dry recyclable materials and food waste are collected separately.
