Simpler Recycling Scheme from 2025

From 31 March 2025, all workplaces in England will be required by law to separate recyclable waste under the government’s Simpler Recycling scheme.

If you’re a micro business (10 employees or fewer), the same rules will apply from 31 March 2027.

What does this mean for your business?

You’ll need to separate your waste into the following categories:

• Dry recyclables – plastics, metals, glass, paper and card
• Food waste
• Residual waste (commonly known as black bin waste)

This move is part of wider efforts to tackle the climate crisis by improving how we manage waste, reduce landfill use and cut plastic pollution. While many businesses already recycle, these new rules make it a legal duty for all workplaces, regardless of size or sector.

Your legal responsibilities

Under the new legislation:

• Businesses must follow the waste hierarchy: prevent waste where possible, then prioritise reuse and recycling before landfill.
• If you use a landlord or waste contractor, they are legally responsible for ensuring your separated waste is handled correctly.
• You must cooperate with your waste collector’s separation system – if not, you could be held accountable.

🚨 Non-compliance may lead to enforcement action from the Environment Agency. This includes fines for failing to follow a compliance notice or presenting waste incorrectly.

From April 2025, members of the public will also be able to report non-compliant businesses.

---

What you can do now

To stay compliant (and avoid costly penalties), we recommend acting now. Here’s your to-do list:

✅ 1. Conduct a Waste Audit

Review how your waste is currently sorted, stored and collected.

✅ 2. Communicate with Your Team

Make sure employees understand the new rules, the reasons behind them, and the importance of avoiding contamination in bins.

✅ 3. Follow the Waste Hierarchy

The best way to reduce your environmental impact is to avoid creating waste in the first place. If that’s not possible, aim to reuse or recycle – only use landfill as a last resort.

 

✅ 4. Get Help from Trusted Sources

Use the Business of Recycling website, developed by WRAP and funded by Defra. It offers:

• Sector-specific guidance
• A free waste calculator
• Tips to improve waste efficiency
  Visit: businessofrecycling.com

---

Compliance Checklist

Make sure you can tick all the boxes below:

• Minimise waste – reduce, reuse and repair wherever possible
• Sort and store properly – use clearly labelled, covered bins
• Use registered waste carriers – check them on the Gov.uk register
• Track your bins – assign team members to monitor contents and check for contamination
• Double-check disposal routes – you are responsible if your provider disposes of waste illegally

---

Why it matters

Good waste management isn’t just about compliance. It can also:

• Lower your waste disposal costs
• Reduce your carbon footprint
• Improve your ESG credentials
• Engage employees in sustainability
• Show customers you care about the planet