Get Ready for New Recycling Regulations

by Emma Slater

For most businesses, the changes mean they will need to have in place three or four separate bin collections for the following waste streams:

general waste i.e. anything that cannot be recycled
food waste, which will need to be placed in its own container and cannot be mixed with any other type of waste.
dry mixed recycling for glass, metals and plastics.
paper and card (although this may not be required if a waste management assessment has been undertaken to show paper & card can be collected with dry mixed recycling)

Note the reforms will be staggered to allow certain organisations, including micro businesses who employ less than 10 people, more time to prepare.

The key timelines to note:

By 31 March 2025 - businesses (with the exception of micro firms) in England will need to arrange for the collection of the core recyclable waste streams, with the exception of garden waste – this includes glass, metal, plastic, paper and card, and food waste.
By 31 March 2027 - Micro-businesses with fewer than 10 full time equivalent employees will have to be arrange for recycling of core recyclable waste streams (glass, metal , plastic paper, card and food waste)
By 31 March 2027, kerbside plastic film collections from businesses and relevant non-domestic premises, and households will be introduced

To help ensure your company is ready we recommend you consider:

Reviewing your waste collection and disposal practices to identify any areas where you may need to make changes.
Updating or developing a new waste management plan to reflect the ‘Simpler Recycling’ requirements
Consider additional recycling infrastructure, such as new bins and signage.
Ensure your employees are aware of the ‘Simpler Recycling’ regulatory requirements.

Further details about the new regulations can be found on DEFRA’s website.