UK Business Guide to Simpler Recycling: What? When? & Why?

A new set of recycling laws called "Simpler Recycling" will come into force across England on 31st March 2025. The new legislation will change how businesses manage waste, aiming to improve recycling rates and make it easier for companies and non-domestic premises to manage their waste effectively.

New regulations can be stressful for businesses, but as a waste management company with over 50 years of experience, we're here to help prepare your business for the changes and to make sure you're complying with the regulations before the new laws come into force.

What is Simpler Recycling?

DEFRA plans to introduce the Simpler Recycling initiative to standardise non-residential recycling across the country. This Simpler Recycling legislation requires that businesses, schools, hospitals, and other non-domestic premises have to recycle specific materials in separate bins, including food waste, glass, metal, plastic, paper, and cardboard where quantities exceed 5kg per week of the recyclable materials. The legislation excludes garden waste and plastic film for now.

Download The Simpler Recycling Guide Here

Why are DEFRA Making Changes to Commercial Waste?

The "Simpler Recycling" changes are to improve recycling rates in England.

The main goals of the Simpler Recycling initiative are:

• Improving UK Recycling Rates: Despite substantial progress, the UK's recycling rates have levelled off over recent years. The new "Simpler Recycling" legislation aims to increase our rates by making recycling methods more consistent and clear.
• Reducing Waste Contamination: Contaminated waste usually means it can't be recycled or makes it much harder. Increasing waste segregation should hopefully reduce the amount of waste being contaminated.
• Reaching Net Zero Targets: The new laws will help the broader efforts to achieve the UK's net zero targets by diverting more waste from landfill sites.

When Does Simpler Recycling Start?

• 31st March 2025: All non-household municipal premises (excluding micro-firms) must implement recycling practices for all recyclable waste streams.
• 31st March 2027: Micro-firms (businesses with fewer than ten full-time equivalent employees) must comply with the new recycling requirements.

How to be Compliant with Simpler Recycling?

To comply with the new Simpler Recycling legislation, businesses must:

• Arrange Waste Collections: Partner with a licensed waste carrier to collect recyclable materials. ISM Waste & Recycling offers comprehensive waste collection services tailored to meet these new requirements.
• Recycle Specific Materials: Ensure the recycling of food waste, glass, metal, plastic, paper, and cardboard.
• Separate Waste Streams: Implement separate bins for different types of waste, such as mixed recycling, food waste, and glass.

How to Prepare for Simpler Recycling

• Assess Your Current Waste Management Plan: A detailed review of your current waste management practices helps identify areas for improvement, which can increase your recycling rates and reduce your waste management costs. By seeing which materials you currently recycle and what additional steps you can take to comply with the new regulations, your recycling could increase to 90%. At ISM Waste & Recycling, we offer FREE waste audits to help you understand how we can improve your recycling rates while reducing waste management costs.
• Partner with a Reliable Waste Management Company: Choosing the right waste management partner is important for a seamless solution compliant with the new legislation. At ISM Waste & Recycling, we provide bespoke waste management solutions to ensure your business meets all UK waste management regulations efficiently.
• Education and Training: Providing training can be a great resource to help improve recycling rates and to comply with the new regulations. Ensure your staff knows the new recycling requirements and understands how to separate waste correctly. Regular training sessions help maintain compliance and improve overall recycling rates.
• Monitor and Report Your Progress: Track your recycling efforts and report your progress as needed. This will help you stay compliant and demonstrate your commitment to sustainability.

Simpler Recycling

The Simpler Recycling initiative is an important step towards a more sustainable future for the UK. By understanding what is needed and taking proactive steps, UK businesses can contribute to a cleaner, greener future. Contact us today to learn how we can support your waste management needs and ensure compliance with the new regulations.

Get in touch to book your free waste audit. Let us help your business navigate the upcoming changes with our award-winning waste management and recycling services. By preparing now and partnering with a trusted waste management company like ISM Waste & Recycling, you can ensure your business is ready for the new Simpler Recycling law. Don't wait and take action today to secure a sustainable future for your business and the environment.