Simpler Recycling: What the new UK waste regulations mean for your business come March 2025
Time is ticking. The new waste management regulations are just around the corner. Starting March 31, 2025, businesses across the UK will need to adapt to significant changes in how they handle waste. Is your business prepared?
In this article, we explore all you need to know about the new Simpler Recycling regulations, including:
Who needs to comply with the new March 2025 Waste Regulations?
The new regulations apply to all non-household premises in England with 10 or more full-time employees. This includes businesses, schools, hospitals, and other organisations. Premises with fewer than 10 full-time employees have until March 31, 2027, to comply.
What‘s changing come March 31, 2025?
The new Simpler Recycling regulations introduce significant changes to waste management practices for businesses in England.
- Mandatory waste separation: Businesses must separate recyclable materials from general waste. This means that core recyclable waste streams cannot be included in general business waste. Instead, organisations are required to use commercial recycling services to handle these materials separately.
- Separate food waste collection: Organisations producing food waste must arrange for separate collection. This requirement applies regardless of the quantity produced, and food waste cannot be mixed with general waste or other recyclables. Businesses need to have a dedicated bin for food waste to comply with the new regulations.
- Core recyclable waste streams: Businesses must arrange for the collection of glass, metal, plastic, paper, card, and food waste. These materials are considered the core recyclable waste streams and must be kept separate from general business waste. Companies need to partner with licensed waste carriers to ensure appropriate collections for each waste stream.
- Dry mixed recyclables (DMR): Paper and cardboard must be collected separately from other dry recyclables like plastics and metals. Most businesses will need three or four bins to be compliant: one for dry mixed recycling (glass, metals, and plastics), one for paper and card, one for food waste, and one for general waste. Some waste management partners may allow paper and card to be collected with mixed recycling after completing an assessment.
Why are the new Simpler Recycling waste regulations being introduced?
The UK government is introducing the new Simpler Recycling regulations for several reasons:
- Improve recycling rates: The regulations aim to significantly increase recycling rates across England by making it easier for businesses to separate and recycle their waste.
- Reduce landfill use: By promoting better waste separation and recycling practices, the new rules will help decrease the amount of waste sent to landfills.
- Cut methane emissions: Proper separation of food waste will reduce methane emissions from landfills, contributing to the UK's climate goals.
- Support sustainability goals: The regulations align with the UK's long-term objective of achieving net-zero emissions and creating a more sustainable economy.
- Standardise recycling practices: By implementing consistent recycling requirements across England, the government aims to eliminate confusion and make recycling simpler for businesses and organisations.
- Promote the circular economy: Improved waste separation and recycling will help conserve valuable resources and support the development of a circular economy in the UK.
- Increase efficiency: Standardised waste streams will make it easier for waste management companies to process and recycle materials effectively.
Next steps for your business: Preparing for Simpler Recycling
- Conduct a waste audit: Assess your current waste generation and segregation practices to identify areas for improvement.
- Implement waste separation systems: Set up separate bins for food waste, paper/cardboard, and other dry recyclables as required by the new regulations.
- Partner with a licensed waste carrier: Ensure you have appropriate collections for each waste stream, including food waste, dry mixed recyclables, and paper/cardboard.
- Train your staff: Educate employees on the new waste separation protocols and the importance of compliance. Reinforce the message that proper waste management is not just a legal requirement that can lead to penalties and fines, but is an essential part to your company’s sustainability goals.
How Swiftpak can support your business with Simpler Recycling
With the March 31, 2025 deadline fast approaching, it's crucial to start preparing your business for the new Simpler Recycling regulations. If you haven't begun your preparations yet, there's no need to worry. Swiftpak is here to help guide you through this transition.
As a wholesale packaging supplier with over 45 years of experience, Swiftpak understands the challenges businesses face when adapting to new regulations. We're committed to making your packaging operations as productive and stress-free as possible, all while maintaining social and environmental responsibility.
With our expert guidance, sustainable packaging solutions, and online waste reporting tools, we can help tailor a packaging strategy that complies and works for you.
Get in touch with Swiftpak today and let us help you navigate the path to Simpler Recycling compliance