New Simpler Recycling reforms are on the horizon: It’s time to prepare your business

As part of the England’s ongoing efforts to prioritise a more sustainable future, Defra’s Simpler Recycling Plan aims to streamline and standardise recycling practices making it easier for businesses and households to recycle more effectively. The new rules will also eliminate the confusion caused by different recycling rules across various local councils.

The new regulations, which will initially impact businesses, will come into force on 31st March 2025. It is important for businesses to familiarise themselves with the new rules and their implications.

Under the new government regulations, businesses and other non-household premises with 10 or more full-time equivalent employees will be required to segregate and recycle ALL required materials:

• Plastic
• Glass
• Metal
• Cartons & tetrapaks
• Paper and cardboard
• Food waste

Defra is consistently reviewing how these materials will be collected. In any outcome, food waste must be separated from recycling and general waste.

The overall goal of Defra’s plans is to boost recycling rates, reduce contamination in recycling streams, and standardise regulations across different postcode areas, eliminating frequent confusion and ensuring a consistent approach.

There may be operational or financial implications on your business, depending on how you currently manage and segregate waste. However, by reviewing your current waste practices and planning for the regulations, the changes could bring benefits to your business as well as positively contributing to sustainability and a circular economy.

Some considerations:

• Internal practices: You may need to change internal waste management practices, including the provision of appropriate bins and staff training to ensure compliance.
• Compliance: Businesses will need to stay informed about the materials that must be recycled and comply with new regulations.
• Increased costs: There may be initial increased costs associated with adapting to the new requirements, such as investing in new waste bins, staff training, and possibly higher waste collection fees. However, the government has indicated that financial support might be available to help businesses manage these changes.

By 31st March 2025 businesses will need to comply with the new practices. This will involve arranging collections and recycling for the waste streams by licensed waste collectors such as Coastal Recycling.

We will keep you updated with the latest information in preparation for these new rules but in the meantime, will keep consulting with our waste partners on the best way for us all to tackle these new regulations.

If you have any questions, concerns or need advice, please do get in touch >>