Are you ready for Simpler Recycling?
With the introduction of Simpler Recycling, the new UK waste legislation, it is essential for businesses to understand their responsibilities and prepare for upcoming changes. This legislation is designed to standardise waste collection and improve recycling rates across England, ensuring a more sustainable approach to waste management.
Understanding Simpler Recycling
The UK government is introducing Simpler Recycling, a set of new measures aimed at enhancing recycling efficiency and reducing landfill waste. By 2027, all businesses will be required to separate their waste into four distinct categories:
Dry Recyclables: Items such as paper, cardboard, metals, and plastics.
Glass: Drinks bottles and rinsed empty food jars
Food Waste: To be collected separately and processed sustainably.
Residual Waste: Non-recyclable materials that cannot be reused or composted.
From 31 March 2025, businesses with ten or more employees will need to comply with Simpler Recycling regulations. By March 2027, the legislation will extend to all businesses and introduce additional recycling mandates, including the requirement to recycle plastic film packaging. Weekly food waste collections will also become mandatory for all businesses.
Adapting to the Changes
As businesses prepare for Simpler Recycling, adjustments to waste management practices will be necessary. Ensuring the right infrastructure is in place, such as appropriate bins and collection schedules, will be key to staying compliant. Implementing clear waste separation procedures and providing staff training will help businesses avoid potential penalties and improve recycling efficiency.
Optimising Waste Management with a Waste Audit
One of the most effective ways to prepare for Simpler Recycling is by conducting a waste audit. A waste audit helps businesses assess their waste output, identify inefficiencies, and ensure they are separating waste correctly to reduce costs and improve sustainability. By understanding what waste is produced and how it is managed, businesses can:
Ensure compliance with the new regulations.
Identify opportunities to reduce waste collection costs.
Improve recycling rates and environmental impact.
Avoid unnecessary charges by optimising waste segregation.
Looking Ahead
As the implementation dates for Simpler Recycling approach, businesses should stay informed about further developments in waste legislation. Reviewing waste management strategies and considering best practices for waste separation will help ensure a smooth transition to the new system. Proactive planning will not only ensure compliance but also contribute to broader environmental goals by reducing landfill dependency and promoting circular economy principles.
Industry Perspective
"The new waste legislation isn’t just about compliance—it’s an opportunity for businesses to reduce costs, streamline operations, and make a real impact on sustainability. Businesses that proactively adapt to these changes will benefit from improved efficiency and long-term savings." — Ben Dudley, Commercial Waste Director - ODS
A proactive approach, including assessing waste streams and ensuring compliance with new regulations, will help businesses navigate these changes efficiently. Simpler Recycling presents an opportunity to refine waste management strategies and build a more sustainable future for all.
Take Action Today
Understanding Simpler Recycling is the first step, but taking action is key. Now is the perfect time to assess your current waste management practices and implement a plan that ensures compliance and efficiency. Whether it’s refining your recycling processes, investing in the right infrastructure, or seeking expert advice, preparing now will put your business in the best position for the future.
Sustainability is not just a requirement—it’s an opportunity to create lasting benefits for your business and the environment. Stay ahead of the curve and make waste management work for you.
If you have any questions about how these changes will affect your business or would like to arrange a waste audit to assess your waste output and cost-saving opportunities, ODS is here to help. Our team can provide expert advice tailored to your specific needs.
For more details on Simpler Recycling and how it affects your business, see our full legal update here.