Under the Environment Act of 2021, new waste regulations, ‘The Simpler Recycling Scheme’, aim to streamline and simplify how we recycle across England. The regulations require that all non-household premises implement recycling for glass, plastic, metal, plastic, paper, card (dry-mixed recycling) and food waste. Ultimately, these regulations will improve the quality and quantity of waste collections across England, taking us one step closer to achieving a circular economy.
These regulations apply to all non-household municipal premises in England, for now with the only exception being made for business with fewer than 10 full-time employees.
The regulations coming into effect on 31st March 2025 are the first stage of the scheme. Following this, on 31st March 2026, these regulations expand to cover domestic households, with local authorities required to collect all recyclable waste streams. For years there have been large differences in recycling practices between local authorities, but this legislation will put an end to the confusion. On 31st March 2027, those companies exempt from the regulations coming into force in 2025, will also be required to have separate recycling collections.
One of the main talking points of this new regulation, is the requirement to segregate food as a separate waste stream. Whilst a large percentage of businesses within England already have the facilities and contracts in place to segregate dry-mixed recycling, the number of businesses that recycle food waste as a separate waste stream is much lower. Commercial food waste legislation has been in place in Scotland since 2014 and legislation of a similar nature was introduced in Wales in April 2024.
Each year the UK wastes approximately 9.35 million tonnes of food. Food waste can be processed to generate renewable power and organic fertiliser when separate from general waste. When mixed in with general waste it will be landfilled or incinerated.
How should my business prepare?
If your landlord employs a waste company for you, or you have a waste management contractor, your company has a legal obligation to make sure any separately collected dry recyclables are sent for recycling. However, you should take steps to:
- Understand the types and quantities of wastes that your business is producing.
- Review the requirements for recycling of different waste streams and make sure that your waste contractor, or contractors, are collecting these as required.
- If you are not currently segregating food waste, get in contact with your waste contractor, landlord or local authority to discuss the implementation of this, including the collections, the facilities that will be required and the documentation that needs to be in place. Make sure that you communicate and engage your employees in the changes in good time.