Are you a business in England with 10 or more employees? If so, England's new Simpler Recycling legislation will affect you, as of March 2025.
For many years, households across England have faced a confusing mix of different bin collection systems. This policy statement explains the government’s plans for introducing Simpler Recycling in England, subject to the outcome of the spending review. The government inherited legislation that may have meant households needed as many as seven bins, creating an unnecessary burden for both residents and businesses.
The rules are being simplified to make recycling easier for people in England, while helping to support growth and increase environmental benefits. Simpler Recycling will create more consistent and streamlined collections for households, businesses and relevant non-domestic premises, including schools and hospitals. Local authorities and other waste collectors will be able to collect some waste streams together by default, meaning seven separate collections will no longer be required. These practical changes will help avoid an increase in the number of bins, while ensuring the same materials are collected across England.
So, what does that mean?
- Extended Producer Responsibility: Producers will be accountable for product lifecycle, promoting sustainable practices
- Deposit Return Scheme: Encouraging recycling through beverage container deposit returns, combating litter
- Waste Collection Evolution: Look forward to improved waste collection systems for better recycling efficiency
- Single-use Plastics Ban: Wales is acting against single-use plastics, prioritizing environmental health
The new default requirement for most households and workplaces will be 4 containers for:
- General waste
- Food waste
- Paper and card
- Dry recyclable materials (plastic, metal and glass)
Key Implementation Timelines:
- By 31 March 2025: All businesses and relevant non-domestic premises are required to arrange for the collection of core recyclable waste streams, including glass, metal, plastic, paper and card, and food waste. Businesses with fewer than 10 employees, are granted a temporary exemption until 31 March 2027.
- By 31 March 2026: Local authorities must collect the core recyclable waste streams from all households in England, which includes introducing weekly food waste collections for most homes, unless a transitional arrangement applies.
- By 31 March 2027: Kerbside plastic film collections from businesses, relevant non-domestic premises, and households will be introduced.
For more detailed information on the policy, you can refer to the official government publication:
Embrace the change today and join us in making recycling simpler and more effective for everyone.