Navigating the New Recycling Legislation: What Your Business Needs to Know
With the government’s new Simpler Recycling policy set to take effect on March 31st, businesses across England must prepare for a more streamlined and consistent approach to waste management. This legislation, which aims to improve recycling rates and reduce contamination, introduces new requirements for businesses and other non-domestic premises to separate recyclable materials more effectively.
A change in waste management policy is the last thing busy business owners need on their mind. However, the good news is that compliance with these new rules is easier than you might think. In this article we will explain the changes businesses need to make to comply with these new sorting rules and avoid non-compliance penalties or additional waste disposal costs due to contamination.
What are the key changes?
The most significant changes businesses will need to make is around source separation. Previous to the new legislation guidance about when and how you separate different recyclable materials was inconsistent. It was mostly up to individual businesses to separate their recycling responsibly and avoid contamination. Now, the new legislation makes it very clear what materials need to be collected separately and what can be collected together.
By March 31, 2025, businesses in England will need to arrange for the separate collection of core recyclable waste streams, including:
- Paper and cardboard
- Plastic, metal, and glass (co-collected)
- Food waste (collected separately or mixed with garden waste where appropriate)
- Residual (non-recyclable) waste
So, as a business, what bins do you actually need? At most, you will need 4 bins, one for non-recyclable materials, one for cardboard, one for food and one for all other recyclable materials. There is no requirement to necessarily have all four bins. For example, if your business does not produce a lot of food or cardboard waste, then you may opt not to use these waste disposal services. However, it is important to note that, if you do not have a specific waste disposal service for these materials, they cannot be put in your general waste or recycling bin and therefore must be disposed of in another way. Failure to comply with legislation can lead to some serious consequences, including fines and other costs related to sending your waste to landfill.
Why Separate Cardboard Collection Matters
One of the most significant changes is the requirement for paper and card to be collected separately from other dry recyclable materials. This is because paper and card are highly susceptible to contamination from food, liquids, and broken glass, reducing their recyclability. By keeping these materials separate, businesses can ensure they are properly processed and repurposed, reducing environmental impact and promoting a circular economy.
Find out more about the importance of course separating your cardboard here
The easiest way to stay complaint
As mentioned above, staying compliant with new waste requires two things.
- Ensuring all recyclable materials are recycled
- Separating all waste into 4 key waste streams
Most workplaces already have a general recycling bin and a non-recycling bin. If yours doesn’t, this is a vital first step to demonstrate your commitment to reducing landfill waste and contributing to the circular economy.
The next step is to ensure that you separate your waste into the four key waste streams mentioned above. This essentially means that if you expect to generate a significant amount of food or cardboard waste, you must have a service to collect these, as they will no longer be accepted in a general recycling bin.
One of the simplest ways to achieve this is to add a cardboard-only bin alongside your other recycling bin and general waste bin. For just £8.50 a week, you can fill your bin with cardboard and leave it out for weekly collections by SO Recycle. This is the most cost-effective way to reduce contamination and ensure that your cardboard is 100% recycled in compliance with new regulations. Other methods for separate cardboard recycling are available. see our article here to find out more. However, for a business seeking a hassle-free and cost-effective way to meet regulations without large upfront costs, a cardboard-only bin is usually the best option.
Similarly, if you expect to generate food waste on-site, you may want to opt for a food bin. Many businesses ask employees to take their food waste home, as local councils are beginning to supply food bins. However, if you would like to provide a food bin at your workplace, we recommend looking for local providers that specialise in food waste collection. Not all recycling companies accept food waste on-site, so it is important to consider this when choosing a provider. Whatever solution you choose, it is crucial that food waste does not end up in your general waste bin and especially not in your mixed recycling, where it can cause contamination.
Next steps
Adapting to the new Simpler Recycling legislation may seem like a challenge, but with the right approach, it can be a straightforward process. By ensuring your business has the appropriate bins in place and separating waste correctly, you can stay compliant while improving sustainability.
Taking small steps, such as introducing a dedicated cardboard bin or exploring food waste collection options, can make a big difference in reducing contamination and landfill waste. If you’re unsure where to start, contact a specialist from SO Recycle before March 31st. They can offer you the best solution for your business to meet regulations and contribute to a more sustainable future.
