Get ready for a shake-up in the way we recycle! New recycling regulations are coming into force across England, making it easier for businesses and organisations to do their bit for the planet and streamline their waste management processes.
What’s changing?
From 31st March 2025 (or 31st March 2027 for micro-firms), all workplaces in England will have a legal duty to separate their waste into three main categories:
Dry recyclables: This includes the usual suspects: plastic, metal, glass, paper and card. However, there’s a slight twist. You’ll need to separate paper and card from the other materials unless your waste collector specifically allows for mixed dry recycling. This is to ensure higher quality recycling and reduce contamination.
Food waste: No more chucking those apple cores and coffee grounds in the general waste! All food scraps and leftovers, including tea bags, coffee grounds, and out-of-date produce, must be collected separately. This will help divert food waste from landfill, where it decomposes and produces harmful greenhouse gases, and instead allow it to be composted or used to generate energy.
Black bin waste: This is the catch-all for non-recyclable waste, also known as residual waste. Think nappies, heavily contaminated packaging, and items that simply can’t be recycled. The aim is to minimise the amount of waste ending up in this bin by maximising recycling and composting efforts.
Who needs to comply?
These rules apply to any workplace that produces waste similar in nature and composition to household waste. This covers a wide range of businesses and organisations, including:
- Offices
- Shops and retail outlets
- Restaurants, cafes, and pubs
- Schools, colleges, and universities
- Hospitals and GP surgeries
- Care homes
- Charities and community centres
- Places of worship
Essentially, if your workplace has a staff kitchen, a canteen, or generates any kind of packaging or food waste, these regulations apply to you.
What about garden waste?
If your workplace generates garden waste, such as grass clippings, leaves, or pruning waste, you have a legal duty to manage it in accordance with the waste hierarchy. This means prioritising recycling or composting wherever possible.
Finding the right waste collector
It’s crucial to discuss these new requirements with your current waste collector or explore alternative providers. You’ll need to arrange separate collections for each waste stream: dry recyclables, food waste, and general waste. Ensure that your chosen waste collector is registered on the Public Register of Waste Carriers, Brokers and Dealers to guarantee they operate legally and responsibly.
Don’t worry, micro-firms!
If your workplace has fewer than 10 full-time employees (or full-time equivalent), you have a bit more time to adjust. The deadline for micro-firms to comply with these new rules is 31st March 2027.
What happens if you don’t comply?
Failure to comply with these regulations could result in a compliance notice from the Environment Agency. This could lead to further enforcement action, including fines, if you fail to take corrective measures.
Support is available
The government recognises that adapting to these changes might require support. Defra has funded WRAP (Waste and Resources Action Programme) to develop the Business of Recycling website, which offers comprehensive guidance and resources for various business sectors. You can find tailored advice, waste reduction tips, and even a waste calculator to help you estimate costs and identify areas for improvement.
Reporting non-compliance
From April 2025, the public and other stakeholders will be able to report workplaces that are not complying with these new recycling rules to the Environment Agency. This encourages collective responsibility and ensures that everyone plays their part in improving recycling rates.
Making recycling simpler, together
These new regulations represent a significant step towards simplifying recycling and increasing resource efficiency across England. By making recycling easier and more consistent, the government aims to reduce the amount of waste going to landfill and contribute to a more circular economy. By working together, businesses, organisations, and individuals can all play their part in creating a more sustainable future.