As of today (31 March 2025), the Simpler Recycling regulations have come into effect in England, requiring workplaces with ten or more employees to separate their waste into distinct categories for collection.
Under the new rules, businesses must arrange for the separate collection of the following waste streams:
- Dry recyclable materials, including plastic, metal and glass
- Paper and card*
- Food waste
- Residual (non-recyclable) waste
*Paper and card must be collected separately unless the contracted waste collector allows them to be collected alongside other dry recyclable materials.
Businesses retain the flexibility to determine the size of their waste containers and the frequency of collections.
View the Simpler Recycling press release here covering its launch.
A Step Towards a Circular Economy
Circular economy minister Mary Creagh emphasised the government’s commitment to reducing waste, improving recycling rates and fostering economic growth. She said...
“We are committed to ending the throwaway society, boosting recycling rates which have stalled for too long, and driving growth through the government’s Plan for Change."
“Simplifying the rules for workplaces will make recycling easier, maximising environmental benefits, delivering cost savings and stimulating growth. We’ll continue to work hand-in-hand with businesses to deliver our reforms to drive up recycling rates and ensure there’s more recycled content in the products we buy.”
Regulation and Compliance
The Environment Agency (EA) has now taken on the role of regulator for these new regulations. Steve Molyneux, deputy director of waste and resources regulation at the EA, said:
“The implementation of Simpler Recycling for workplaces is a pivotal moment and a huge step forward, driving change in the waste market, optimising the use of our precious resources, and contributing to a circular economy."
“We are committed to supporting businesses with their new duties. We will take a pragmatic approach to implementation and will work with stakeholders to support them in overcoming any difficulties they might face concerning compliance.”
Future Developments in Simpler Recycling
Further phases of the Simpler Recycling initiative will be introduced over the coming years:
31 March 2026: The same recycling rules will be extended to all UK households. Local councils must introduce separate food waste collections where they are not already in place. Some may be granted a transitional arrangement, allowing for a later implementation date.
31 March 2027: Kerbside plastic film collection will be introduced for both workplaces and households.
31 March 2027: Workplaces with fewer than ten employees must comply with the core recycling regulations.
Background of the Legislation
The Simpler Recycling policy was initially proposed in 2018 as part of the Resources and Waste Strategy.
A public consultation took place in 2021, though the policy was delayed from its original 2023 deadline.
Previously referred to as “consistency legislation”, the initiative was rebranded as Simpler Recycling in October 2023 when the full plan was outlined.
In November 2024, the government confirmed that paper and cardboard must be collected separately.
Our previous story: "Simpler Recycling Regulations Mandate Separate Collection of Paper and Card [29.11.24]"
