To enhance recycling rates and streamline waste management, the UK government is introducing a new recycling legislation set to take effect by March 31, 2025. This legislation, known as Simpler Recycling, mandates that all workplaces (business and non-domestic premises), charities, and voluntary organisations with more than 10 employees that generate household-like waste in England have a legal duty to arrange for the separation and collection of six recyclable material types.

If your business hasn’t yet taken steps to prepare, now is the time to act. Here's what companies need to know:

Key requirements of the simpler recycling legislation

By March 31, 2025, businesses and relevant non-domestic premises in England will be responsible for the waste collected on and transported from their premises, meaning they must follow the core recyclable waste streams:

• Glass: such as drinks bottles and rinsed empty food jars
• Metal: such as drinks cans and rinsed empty food tins, aerosols, aluminium foil, aluminium food trays & tubes 
• Plastic: such as rinsed empty food containers and bottles 
• Paper and Card: such as old newspapers, envelopes, delivery boxes and packaging 
• Food Waste: Leftover food items from kitchens and cafeterias
• Garden waste: Workplaces must legally manage garden waste per the waste hierarchy, ensuring it's recycled or composted for the best environmental outcome

The challenge of food waste recycling

Businesses producing household-like waste, including staff kitchens, must comply with the regulations to separate their waste: One key issue is the improper sorting of food waste, leading to contamination of recyclable materials. Common challenges include a lack of clear guidelines, inadequate bin availability, and inconvenient placement. To overcome these barriers, employee education and ongoing monitoring are necessary. Businesses will not be allowed to use food waste disposal equipment (macerators) or other types of food waste treatment equipment, such as enzyme digesters or dewatering, to discharge food waste or liquid that results from food waste to a drain.

Your waste collector

Discuss your waste management needs with your waste collector to arrange separate collections for dry recycling, food waste, and general waste. A private waste collector or your local council can handle this. If your current provider doesn’t offer all the necessary collection services, you’ll need to source additional providers to ensure compliance.

Why are recycling rules changing?

The UK government introduced the Simpler Recycling legislation to standardise waste collection and improve recycling efficiency. Many businesses still send recyclable materials to landfills due to unclear guidelines or inefficient sorting systems. By aligning business recycling with household practices, the government aims to:

• Reduce landfill waste and environmental impact

• Increase recycling rates and resource efficiency

• Provide clearer waste management processes for businesses and local authorities

This initiative is part of the UK’s efforts to cut carbon emissions, reduce pollution, and support a circular economy. Workplaces can choose container sizes and collection frequencies based on their waste volumes.

Steps to ensure compliance:

1. Conduct a waste audit – Assess current waste management practices and identify necessary changes.

2. Set up clearly labeled recycling stations – Ensure easy access and clear signage to encourage proper waste sorting.

3. Provide employee training – Educate staff on correct recycling practices to reduce contamination.

4. Partner with a compliant waste collection service – Work with providers who meet new waste disposal requirements.

5. Implement waste reduction strategies – Reduce waste by going paperless, using reusable catering supplies, and encouraging sustainable practices.

6. Monitor and adjust – Regularly review waste management procedures to maintain compliance and improve efficiency.

Workplaces that must follow these rules  

Any business or workplace premises that generate waste similar in nature and composition to household waste must follow these rules across their operations (including, for example, staff kitchens). This includes all relevant non-domestic premises, such as: 

• 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 selling donated goods that came from a domestic property 
• Residential hostels that provide accommodation to people with no other permanent address or who are unable to live at their permanent address only 
• Premises used only or mainly for public meetings  

It's important to note that micro-firms—businesses with fewer than 10 full-time equivalent employees—have been granted a temporary exemption. These smaller enterprises have until March 31, 2027, to comply with the new recycling requirements.

Where waste is created, it must be collected. 

The Simpler Recycling legislation is a crucial step towards a more sustainable future. By preparing now, businesses can ensure compliance, avoid penalties, and contribute to a greener economy. Implementing these changes effectively will not only help meet legal requirements but also enhance workplace efficiency and environmental responsibility.

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