From 31 March 2025, England will introduce new recycling regulations that will legally require businesses with 10 or more employees to separate their waste into specific categories for recycling.
Businesses with 10 or more full time equivalent employees will have until 31 March 2027 to implement. This move is part of the UK government’s effort to boost recycling rates, reduce waste, and work towards a more sustainable, circular economy. Here’s what businesses need to know about these upcoming changes.
The key requirement: Separate waste collection
Under the new rules, businesses will be required to sort their waste into four clearly defined streams as follows:
- Residual (non-recyclable) waste
- Food waste (mixed with garden waste if appropriate)
- Paper and card
- All other dry recyclable materials
The aim is to improve the efficiency of recycling processes and ensure that more waste is diverted from landfill.
Why is this happening?
The change comes as part of the UK’s broader Resources and Waste Strategy, which seeks to increase recycling rates, cut down on single-use plastics, and reduce the environmental impact of waste. By ensuring that businesses properly separate their waste at the source, the government hopes to make recycling more effective and increase the quality of recyclable materials. This will help reduce contamination and enable more materials to be reused, rather than being sent to landfill or incineration.
What does this mean for your business?
- Waste segregation: Businesses will need to implement systems for sorting waste into separate categories. This may involve investing in additional bins, signage, and potentially revising waste management procedures to ensure compliance.
- Staff training: Employees will need to be trained on the importance of waste segregation and how to properly separate materials. This will be crucial for businesses to maintain efficiency and avoid contamination of recyclable materials.
- Waste auditing: Regular waste audits may become necessary to ensure your business is meeting the separation requirements. This could involve working with your waste contractors to track how well the new system is working and whether adjustments are needed.
- Reporting and compliance: Businesses may also need to report how they manage their waste, providing evidence of their compliance with the new rules. This could include documentation of the volume of waste collected and the proportion of materials recycled.
What can businesses do now to prepare?
- Review your waste management system: Assess your current waste disposal practices and identify areas for improvement. Do you already separate materials, or will you need to invest in new infrastructure?
- Get ahead of the curve: Start setting up separate collection systems and educate your employees now. This will ensure a smooth transition when the regulations take effect.
- Work with your waste contractor: Reach out to your waste management provider to discuss the new requirements and ensure they are prepared to handle separated waste streams effectively.
- Stay informed: Keep up-to-date with any updates from the UK government and Defra. Regulations can evolve, and it’s important to ensure that your business is fully compliant.
The bottom line
The new regulations on separate waste collection represent a major shift in how businesses will need to manage their waste. Although it may require some initial investment in infrastructure and training, the long-term benefits include more efficient recycling, reduced landfill waste, and a clearer environmental footprint for your company. By preparing early, businesses can not only comply with the law but also contribute to a more sustainable future.
