Simpler Recycling Start Date: What It Means For Your Company

The legal requirements for UK businesses around dry recycling and separating it from food and residual waste have changed. In this guide, we explain what Simpler Recycling means for your company.

 

The aim of these new regulations is to help ensure that soon, no waste from businesses goes for disposal unless it has gone through a treatment process. 

 

The UK recycling rate for waste from households did not increase during 2022 for England, according to government data. However, in 2023, we recycled 64.8% of UK packaging waste, increasing from 62.4% in 2022.

 

It is estimated that the UK generated 40.4 million tonnes of commercial and industrial waste in 2020, of which 33.7 million tonnes (83%) came from England.

 

‘Simpler Recycling’ should increase recycling rates and reduce the amount of waste the UK sends for disposal. The volume of food waste captured has grown year-on-year due to better separation.

 

It will also help reduce your business costs, save energy, conserve natural resources and protect the environment.

 

Here at Think FM we understand that keeping pace with regulatory changes that impact your business is not always straightforward. We want to make the transition to the new scheme as smooth as possible for you from a facilities management and cleaning perspective.

 

What is Simpler Recycling? Legislation and guidelines

 

Recycling initiatives like Simpler Recycling are designed to increase participation rates in recycling efforts.

 

It was introduced in 2023 by the Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (also known as Defra). Here is the official guidance, policy paper and impact assessment secondary legislation.

 

Underpinning legislation is the Environment Act 2021, section 57 – aiming to eliminate all avoidable food waste in landfills by 2030.

 

Simpler Recycling aims to standardise waste collection processes across local authorities in England. All properties in England, including households and commercial or non-domestic premises, need to comply with the new regulations.

 

The introduction of Simpler Recycling is expected to reduce landfill waste significantly. Separating food waste from general waste is crucial for reducing contamination in recycling streams.

 

Complying with legislation changes doesn’t need to be complicated; businesses may only need 3 bins for recycling.

 

The government has created provisions for flexible collection arrangements with waste collectors.

 

When is the Simpler Recycling start date?

 

Simpler Recycling has already started. As of 31st March 2025, all businesses with 10 or more full-time equivalent employees must start separating plastic, paper and card, glass, metals, and food waste from general waste.

 

Local authorities have until 31st March 2026 to implement recycling requirements for all residents: 

 

• They are required to collect six recyclable waste streams, excluding plastic film, from all households by 31st March 2026.
• Weekly food waste collection services will be introduced for all households in England by 2026 under the new  reforms.

 

The Separation of Waste (England) Regulations 2024 defines food waste as: 

 

‘“Biodegradable material resulting from the processing or preparation of food and drink including inedible food parts such as bones, eggshells, fruit and vegetable skins, tea bags and coffee grounds.”

 

Plastic bags and films must be separated for recycling by 31st March 2027 under the new legislation.

 

Micro-businesses with fewer than 10 employees have until 31st March 2027 to comply with recycling regulations.

 

Implementing the Simpler Recycling measures demonstrates businesses’ commitment to sustainability and can support brand reputation too.

 

What does this Simpler Recycling 2025 mean for my company?

 

Businesses with 10 or more full-time equivalent employees must separate dry recycling and food waste from general waste for collection.

 

They must implement recycling practices for all recyclable waste streams by 31st March 2025. Businesses must segregate materials including dry mixed recycling and food waste into appropriate containers as of 31st March 2025.

 

If food waste and recyclable materials are not separated into the specified separate bins, they are considered contaminated and cannot be collected. The overall volume of recycling captured has increased significantly as a result of improved separation techniques.

 

Complying with legislation changes doesn’t need to be complicated; businesses may only need 3 bins for recycling.

 

Businesses must separate plastic film packaging for collection, which will become part of the plastic waste stream.

 

All paper and card must be separated from other dry recyclables or general waste for collection – a dry mixed recycling bin for glass waste, plastic, paper and cardboard may also satisfy your waste collectors – more details here.

 

Additional information

 

Businesses that are continually found to be non-compliant run the risk of the Environment Agency issuing a compliance notice. Failure to comply with recycling regulations could result in action or potential fines from the Environment Agency, in line with its enforcement and sanctions policy.

 

Businesses must assess their current waste management practices to identify improvements needed for compliance. Partnerships with reliable waste brokers can facilitate compliance with recycling regulations.

 

Training sessions or guides are suggested to educate employees on proper recycling practices – a cleaning rota can also help. Clear labeling of bins is recommended to encourage proper recycling practices.

 

Various recycling guides for business are available from the Business of Recycling (WRAP) England.

 

Our cleaning teams at Think FM fully understand the updated recycling rules. 

 

• They will have the knowledge to separate waste correctly at your site, placing recyclable materials in the right bins and disposing of non-recyclables properly
• This reduces the risk of contamination and helps your business stay compliant with the latest guidelines
• Management’s thorough monthly cleaning audits also check for compliance with the latest regulations

 

For wider reading, here are 9 ways to improve sustainability in retail and green office ideas for businesses.

 

Final thoughts: Simpler Recycling and commercial cleaning

 

Simpler Recycling is expected to create a more sustainable and environmentally conscious UK society. There could be a significant environmental benefit.

 

Mandatory food waste collections are required for businesses with more than 10 employees. By March 31, 2025, all businesses with more than 10 employees must implement recycling practices for all recyclable waste streams.

 

We are helping businesses not just meet the new recycling rules but also protect the environment. We use eco-friendly cleaning products, work to cut waste across all services, and see the scheme as another important step towards cutting the carbon footprint in the UK.

 

Think FM are ready to help your business comply with Simpler Recycling while maintaining excellent standards in cleanliness and waste management.

 

As the new rules come into force, you can count on Think FM to guide you through the changes. We can help you put new recycling solutions in place so that together we achieve a cleaner and greener future for everyone.

 

If you found our guide helpful, please take a look at other articles on our blog. Some of our most popular articles include:

 

• Office Etiquette
• Indoor Team Building Activities
• Best Office Pets To Boost Workplace Productivity

 

We are very proud to be a leading provider of specialist commercial cleaning services, offering a wide range of high-quality cleaning solutions.

 

That includes daily office cleaning London businesses trust. We deliver the #1 commercial cleaning service London companies love because, quite simply, we do what we say we are going to do.

 

If you would like to find out more about how we are helping businesses with the new recycling rules, please contact us.

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