From Monday 31 March 2025, businesses will need to separate and recycle certain types of waste. You can find out more about the Simpler Recycling rules.
New recycling requirements for trade waste
A new set of recycling laws called "Simpler Recycling" will come into force on Monday 31 March 2025. This changes how businesses manage waste, to improve recycling rates and make it easier for companies and non-domestic premises to manage their waste effectively.
The aim is to:
- improve UK recycling rates
- reduce waste contamination
- reach net zero targets
About Simpler Recycling
DEFRA wants to standardise non-residential recycling across the country, so have introduced the Simpler Recycling scheme.
The new rules mean that businesses, schools, hospitals, and other non-domestic premises have to recycle specific materials in separate bins. This includes:
- food waste
- glass
- metal
- plastic
- paper and cardboard
However, it only applies where quantities exceed 5kg per week of the recyclable materials.
The legislation excludes garden waste and plastic film for now.
How to comply with the new rules
To make sure your premises follows the new rules, you will need to:
- separate your waste (such as setting up separate bins for different types of waste)
- recycle specific materials (this consists of food waste, glass, metal, plastic, paper, and cardboard)
- arrange waste collections (you will need to partner with a licensed waste carrier to collect recyclable materials)
Key dates
From 31 March 2025, all non-household municipal premises (excluding micro-firms) must put in place arrangements to recycle all the specified types of waste.
From 2027, the rules will also apply to micro-firms (businesses with fewer than ten full-time equivalent employees).
How we can help
We offer a comprehensive recycling collection services to existing residual waste customers, tailored to meet these new requirements.
We would only collect food/drinks metal cans, so if in doubt, you can speak to a member of the recycling team.