England is undergoing a significant shift in how businesses manage their waste. The ‘Simpler Recycling’ initiative has arrived, bringing new rules that impact how workplaces sort and recycle. This change aims to boost recycling rates, reduce landfill waste, and pave the way for a more sustainable future. But what does it mean for your business?
What's changing?
The core idea behind Simpler Recycling is to standardise recycling practices across England. This means clearer, more consistent rules for everyone, whether at home, work, or school. For businesses, this translates to specific requirements for waste separation.
Key changes for businesses:
- For businesses with 10 or more employees: You'll need to arrange for the separate collection of:
- Dry recyclable materials: This includes plastic, metal, glass, paper, and card.
- Food waste.
- Residual (non-recyclable) waste.
- Paper and card will need to be separated from other dry recyclables, unless your waste collector takes them together.
- Deadlines:
- Businesses with 10+ employees must comply by March 31, 2025.
- Businesses with fewer than 10 employees have until March 31, 2027, to get on board.
- By March 31, 2027, plastic film and bags will also need to be collected separately.
Why the change?
These new rules are designed to:
- Increase recycling rates: By making recycling simpler, more businesses are likely to participate.
- Reduce landfill waste: Diverting waste from landfills is crucial for the environment.
- Create a circular economy: More high-quality recycled materials can be used to make new products.
- Reduce confusion: Clear, consistent rules mean less uncertainty about what goes in which bin.
What do you need to do?
If you run a business in England, it's crucial to understand these new regulations and take the necessary steps to comply. Here are some resources to help you navigate these changes:
- UK: The official source for detailed information: Simpler recycling: workplace recycling in England - GOV.UK
- WRAP (Waste & Resources Action Programme): Offers guidance and resources for businesses: LARAC - Business of Recycling England
- Your waste management provider: They can help you set up the necessary collection systems.
The Simpler Recycling initiative is a game-changer for waste management in England. By taking proactive steps to adapt to these new rules, businesses can contribute to a more sustainable future and ensure they stay on the right side of the law.
Authors
Iain Kirtley
With over 20 years’ experience of membership bodies, not for profit organisations and the private sector, Iain joined the FMB in August 2023 from the Chartered Institute of Building where he worked with construction companies of all sizes to support them with training, development and accreditation.
