Simpler Recycling; New Guidelines On Workplace Recycling
To encourage recycling in workplaces, the UK government has introduced new legislation for workplace recycling in England, set to take effect from March 31, 2025 (or March 31, 2027 for micro-firms). The Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (DEFRA) has launched the 'Simpler Recycling' initiative, which requires businesses to manage their waste responsibly.
This requires all businesses and non-domestic premises to separate their waste into specific categories as dry recyclables (plastic, metal, glass, paper, card), food waste, and residual waste (black bin waste) according to their waste collector's guidelines. This applies to various types of workplaces such as offices, restaurants, schools, colleges, care homes, healthcare settings, etc.
This legislation is designed to improve business recycling rates, by standardising recycling practices across England. Businesses need to arrange for separate waste collection services that meet these requirements. Garden waste must also be managed according to environmental standards. Micro-businesses with fewer than 10 employees are not required to comply until March 31, 2027.
From April 2025, the general public and other parties will be able to report workplaces that fail to comply with the new recycling rules to the Environment Agency. If businesses fail to follow these rules, they may face a compliance notice from the Environment Agency, potentially followed by enforcement action. Additionally, waste collectors are legally required to ensure that materials are correctly separated and disposed of according to the new guidelines.