A big change is on the horizon for business owners in England – and it’s called Simpler Recycling. By 31 March 2025 (or 2027 for micro-firms), every workplace will need to step up its recycling game and learn to separate waste like seasoned pros. Don’t worry – just think of us as your recycling coaches – ready with handy tips and the occasional joke to keep it light. So, grab a coffee (or a recyclable drinks can) and dive in!
What’s this all about?
In a nutshell, Simpler Recycling is the government’s way of making sure businesses are doing their part to reduce waste and recycle more. The rules are pretty straightforward: sort your waste into three main categories.
- Dry recyclables
Think plastic, metal, glass, paper and cardboard. And yes, that yoghurt pot needs a rinse! - Food waste
All your leftovers and food preparation scraps. - Black bin waste
The stuff that can’t be recycled, like grimy food packaging.
Who needs to comply?
Pretty much any business or workplace that generates household-like waste. This includes (but isn’t limited to):
- Offices
- Retailers
- Cafés, restaurants and hotels
- Schools and universities
- Hospitals and care homes
- Charity shops and places of worship
If you’re unsure whether the rules apply to you, check the legislation or give us a call – we’ll help you sort it out (pun fully intended).
How to get started
The good news is you have options. The size of your bins and how often they’re collected is totally up to you, depending on how much waste your business produces. And if your landlord or facilities manager handles waste, they’ll need to comply too. Here’s your quick-start guide:
- Separate your waste
Keep it simple: dry recyclables, food waste and black bin waste each go in their own containers. - Choose a waste collector
This could be your local council or a private provider, like ourselves. Just make sure they’re registered on the public Register of Waste Carriers, Brokers and Dealers. Our waste carrier registrations are CBDU275176 (Hamptons Metal Merchants) and CBDU41847 (Tidysite Skip Services). - Talk to your waste collector
They’re the experts and can advise you on how to separate your recyclables properly.
Special notes for micro-firms
If you have fewer than 10 full-time employees, you have a bit more breathing room. You don’t need to comply until 31 March 2027. And if you’re not sure how many ‘full-time equivalents’ you have, we can help you figure it out.
Why it matters
Aside from doing your bit for the planet, non-compliance could land you in hot water. The Environment Agency can issue compliance notices to businesses not playing by the rules. Worse, if you ignore a compliance notice, you could face enforcement action.
From April 2025, the public can even report workplaces that aren’t following the rules. Better start recycling now – no one wants to be the subject of an embarrassing headline!
Helpful resources
The Waste and Resources Action Programme (WRAP) has you covered. Check out its Business of Recycling website for sector-specific advice, plus a handy waste calculator to estimate costs and boost efficiency.
Final thoughts
We get it – change can be a hassle. But Simpler Recycling is about making a big impact with small, manageable steps. By separating your waste properly, you’re not just complying with the law – you’re helping create a cleaner, greener future. And that’s something to be proud of!
Need a hand? Our team is always here to help with your waste management needs. Give us a call or drop us a note, and we’ll get you sorted faster than you can say “black bin waste”!