Simpler Recycling

What Is Simpler Recycling?

Simpler Recycling is a nationwide reform designed to make recycling easier and more consistent across England, effective 31st March 2025. For businesses, this means adopting a simplified system that reduces the confusion over what materials can be recycled.

Effective from March 31, 2025, all businesses in England—except those classified as micro-businesses with fewer than 10 full-time equivalent (FTE) employees—will be required to comply with the new recycling rules.

Under these regulations, businesses will need to ensure that all dry recyclables—such as paper, cardboard, plastic, metal, and glass—are collected together in one bin. This change eliminates the need for separate bins for each recyclable material, making it easier for businesses to manage their waste.

Additionally, businesses will be required to separate food waste, which must be collected in a dedicated bin. The Simpler Recycling reforms will also allow for garden waste and food waste to be co-collected in certain cases. These changes aim to streamline the recycling process, reduce waste contamination, and improve recycling rates across the UK.

Key Changes Under the Simpler Recycling Regulations

The Simpler Recycling reforms include:

• Co-collection of Dry Recyclables - Paper, cardboard, plastic, metal, and glass can be collected together in one bin.

• Co-collection of food & garden waste - These can be collected together in specific cases.

• Mandatory food waste separation - Businesses must use a dedicated food waste bin.

• Standardised recycling across England - Say goodbye to regional differences in what can be recycled.

Find out more about Simpler Recycling Legislation here.

How To Prepare For Simpler Recycling?

To ensure compliance with the Simpler Recycling reforms, businesses should:

• Assess waste – Identify the types of waste your business generates. Get a free consultation from our waste experts.

• Get the right bins – Make sure your business has separate bins for general waste, dry recyclables and food waste. See our bin sizes.

• Train staff – Educate your team about the new regulations.

• Act now – Prepare before the 31st March 2025 deadline.

Need help? Setting up for the new legislation is easy. Simply get in touch with GWR Waste Management to stay ahead of Simpler Recycling and avoid last-minute issues.