A new 'Simpler Recycling' legislation, set to take effect in March 2025, will significantly impact how businesses in England manage their waste. With the requirement for businesses having more than 10 full-time employees to separate recycling-relevant waste—such as dry recyclables and food waste—from general waste on-site, companies will need to adapt their waste management practices.
Note also that ALL businesses with at least one employee must also comply from March 2027 (see later in this post).
This change aims to increase recycling rates and reduce landfill waste, promoting a more sustainable approach to waste management.
Businesses should prepare by assessing their current waste disposal processes, educating staff on proper recycling practices, and potentially investing in new recycling bins or systems to ensure compliance.
Non-compliance with these regulations could result in substantial fines, making it crucial for businesses to proactively address these changes and integrate effective recycling strategies into their operations.
How to comply: March 2025
To comply with the new laws, businesses in England with more than 10 full-time employees must implement several key practices regarding waste management:
Understand Waste Categories
Recycling Relevant Waste: This includes dry recyclables and food waste. Dry recyclables are:
Glass - such as drinks bottles and rinsed empty food jars
Metal - such as drinks cans and food tins
Plastic - such as rinsed empty food containers and bottles
Paper - such as old newspapers and envelopes
Cardboard - such as delivery boxes and packaging
General Waste: Any waste that doesn’t fall into the recycling categories.
Implement Multi-Stream Recycling
Set up separate bins for dry recyclables and food waste in accessible locations throughout your facility.
Clearly label each bin to avoid contamination and ensure proper use by staff.
Train Employees
Conduct training sessions to educate employees about the new regulations and the importance of recycling.
Provide guidance on how to properly sort waste and the consequences of non-compliance.
Establish Collection Procedures
Coordinate with waste management services to ensure they can collect multi-stream waste.
Confirm that your waste provider is equipped to handle the separation and treatment of recyclable materials.
Document Waste Management Processes
Keep records of waste separation practices and collections to demonstrate compliance.
Maintain documentation of any treatment processes that recycling relevant waste undergoes before disposal.
Regular Reviews and Audits
Periodically review your waste management practices to ensure they align with the new regulations.
Conduct audits to identify areas for improvement and ensure continued compliance.
Engage with Stakeholders
Communicate with suppliers, customers, and other stakeholders about your commitment to recycling.
Consider collaborating with local environmental organizations for support and resources.
By following these steps, your business can effectively comply with the new legislation, contribute to environmental sustainability, and avoid potential fines for non-compliance.
How to comply from March 2027
Starting from March 31, 2027, the legislation will extend its requirements to businesses with fewer than 10 full-time employees. This means that all businesses in England will need to adhere to the following guidelines:
Key Changes for Compliance by 2027
Inclusion of Smaller Businesses:
All businesses, regardless of size, will be required to separate recycling-relevant waste, including dry recyclables, food waste, and general waste on-site before collection.
Separation of Plastic Film:
From this date, businesses must also separate plastic film from other waste streams. This adds an additional layer of waste management that businesses will need to address.
Steps for Compliance
Upgrade Waste Management Systems
Ensure that your waste management practices and infrastructure can accommodate the separation of plastic film along with other recyclable materials.
Educate and Train Staff:
Provide training for all employees, including those in smaller businesses, on how to sort and manage waste effectively. This includes specific instructions on handling plastic film.
Review and Adjust Waste Collection Contracts:
Engage with waste management providers to ensure they can collect and process the newly separated plastic film and other recyclables.
Implement Clear Labelling:
Use clear and distinct labels for bins designated for plastic film and other types of waste to prevent contamination.
Monitor and Maintain Compliance:
Keep records of waste management practices, including the separation of plastic film, and regularly review these processes to ensure compliance with the evolving legislation.
By preparing in advance for these changes, businesses can ensure a smooth transition when the new rules come into effect in 2027, promoting sustainability and compliance across all business sizes.
The information above is taken from various sources including Government website and various waste recycling companies.
