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Simpler Recycling: Making Recycling Easier for Businesses

Simpler Recycling Report Results

WHAT IS SIMPLER RECYCLING?

Simpler Recycling is a government initiative to streamline waste collection and recycling across England. The goal is to reduce confusion and increase recycling rates by standardising the types of materials collected from all households and businesses.

The Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (DEFRA) consulted on the planned Simpler Recycling in 2023 publishing the consultation finding earlier this year, stating that “reform to the recycling system which means that people across England will be able to recycle the same materials, whether at home, work or school, putting an end to the confusion over what can and cannot be recycled in different parts of the country.”

WHICH BUSINESSES DOES SIMPLER RECYCLING APPLY TO?

Depending on their size and type of activities, some businesses will be more affected than others with Simpler Recycling. A multi-premises business employing more than 10 full-time equivalent employees will be required to segregate dry mixed recycling (glass, paper and card), metal and food waste and arrange the appropriate collection services by 31st March 2025.

Microbusinesses (those with less than 10 FTE employees) are currently exempt from these requirements until 31st March 2027, but as a wider sustainability measure it would be beneficial to implement in advance of legalisation.

WHAT ARE YOUR RESPONSIBILITIES?

The new default requirement for workplaces released in November 2024 state that four containers will be required for collecting and recycling:

  • residual (non-recyclable) waste
  • food waste (mixed with garden waste if appropriate)
  • paper and card
  • all other dry recyclable materials (plastic, metal and glass)

These may be various container types, including bags, bins or stackable boxes.

KEY POINTS TO REMEMBER:

  • Clear Labeling: Ensure your waste containers are clearly labeled to avoid contamination.
  • Regular Collection: Schedule regular collections for both dry recyclables and food waste.
  • Proper Storage: Store waste in appropriate containers to prevent odors and pests.

BENEFITS OF SIMPLER RECYCLING

  • Environmental Impact: Reduced waste and carbon emissions.
  • Cost Savings: Potential cost reductions through efficient waste management.
  • Enhanced Reputation: A positive image as an environmentally responsible business.
  • Compliance: Adherence to government regulations and avoiding potential penalties.

We surveyed over 200 businesses to find out what they knew about Simpler Recycling. Download a copy of the report here:

HOW WARD CAN HELP YOU:

A free waste audit

A free and simple waste audit can quickly assess the volume and type of waste. From there, you work out a plan of the required container sizes and optimise collections to achieve the best value for money.

Click to find out more:

FREE WASTE AUDIT

Get clever with containers

By combining different container sizes and using flexible collections, Ward can help maximise space and reduce costs.

We can simplify collections into three containers in most workplaces, due to the processing on of the recyclables, therefore offering options for:

  • Residual (non-recyclable) waste
  • Food waste (mixed with garden waste if appropriate)
  • Dry mixed recycling (DMR) – paper and card and all other dry recyclable materials (plastic, metal and glass)

With options including bags, wheelie bins, Front End Loaders (FELs), Skips and Roll On/Offs there’s solutions to meet all recycling requirements.

Click to find out more:

DOWNLOAD

Difficult to recycle materials

From one off asbestos removal to complete construction or hazardous waste collections, we have a dedicated team in place to help you identify, analyse and manage complex waste types. Contact us at: [email protected]

Complete waste management, recycling and reporting solutions

We offer site visits for all businesses to help set up effective recycling areas and provide an online portal for digital waste tracking and carbon emission reporting. This provides a good way to monitor and evaluate different waste streams, using the data to make more informed decisions about recycling rates, monitor activity and make regular improvements and adjustments to waste collections.

FAQs

Simpler Recycling is a government initiative to streamline waste collection and recycling across England. It is new regulation that will apply from 31st March 2025.
Simpler Recycling aims to reduce confusion and increase recycling rates by standardising the types of materials collected.
Simpler Recycling is a requirement for all businesses, however, it is being implemented in phases depending on business size and number of employees.

For businesses of 10 or more full time employees, Simpler Recycling regulations start on 31st March 2025.

For businesses of less than 10 full time employees, Simpler Recycling regulations start on 31st March 2027.
Yes, Simpler Recycling legislation applies to the size of the whole business, rather than individual sites, Each site within a business of 10 or more full time employees will have to adhere to Simpler Recycling regulatory requirements.
Micro-firms (businesses with fewer than 10 full-time employees) are exempt from the Simpler Recycling regulations being implemented on March 31st 2025.

Instead, micro business have until 31 March 2027 to comply with the new Simpler Recycling legislation.
When counting employees in your business to understand if you have to comply with Simpler Recycling legislation on March 31st 2025, count all of your full time employees and count part-time staff on a pro-rata basis.

Volunteers are not included in determining the Full Time Equivalent employee count for an organisation. This includes organisations that have volunteers across multiple premises.
Depending on their size and type of activities, some businesses will be more affected than others with Simpler Recycling.

The requirement for workplaces from March 31st 2025 state that four containers will be required for collecting and recycling:
  • residual (non-recyclable) waste
  • food waste (mixed with garden waste if appropriate)
  • paper and card
  • all other dry recyclable materials (plastic, metal and glass)


These may be various container types, including bags, bins or stackable boxes.

By combining different container sizes and using flexible collections, Ward can help maximise space and reduce costs.

Ward can simplify collections into three containers in most workplaces, due to the processing on of the recyclables, which is helpful if you are restricted with space. therefore offering options for:

  • Residual (non-recyclable) waste
  • Food waste (mixed with garden waste if appropriate)
  • Dry mixed recycling (DMR) – paper and card and all other dry recyclable materials (plastic, metal and glass)


Ward has multiple options including bags, wheelie bins, Front End Loaders (FELs), Skips and Roll On/Offs providing solutions to meet all recycling requirements.

Ward can help you to:
  • Set up waste separation systems
  • Find the right containers: Good-quality bins and the correct sized containers to suit your space and requirements.
  • Make sure you have clear bins and labelling for food waste, recyclables, and general waste
  • Train your staff to ensure everyone knows what goes in each bin and understands the importance of recycling
Yes. Simpler Recycling guidelines state that all qualifying business will need to provide a separate container for food waste. WARD offers various container options to suit your needs.

To increase your recycling rates, find out about your options to comply with Simpler Recycling regulation, contact our waste experts at [email protected], call on 0345 337 0000 or complete the form on our website: https://www.ward.com/simpler-recycling/
No. All qualifying businesses producing any food waste MUST have a separate food container under the Simpler Recycling regulations.
Plastic, metal, glass, paper and card can all go into Dry Mixed Recycling containers specified in Simpler Recycling regulation from March 31st 2025.
Simpler Recycling guidelines state that all qualifying business will need to provide a separate container for all food waste.

This includes all food waste of any type and volume, including if the workplace does not serve food or have a canteen.
Following the introduction of Simpler Recycling regulations on March 31st 2025, all residual (non-recyclable) waste will go in a general waste bin.

This includes black bin waste, anything that cannot be recycled such as absorbent hygiene products, highly contaminated materials recycled and vacuum cleaner waste.
Anyone that does not comply with Simpler Recycling regulations from March 31st 2025 (or 31 March 2027 for micro firms), is at risk of receiving a compliance notice from the Environment Agency.

Compliance notices can also be issued against anyone who is not separating waste in agreement with their waste collector.

From April 2025, the general public and other parties will be able to report workplaces that do not follow these rules to the Environment Agency.

More details can be found at: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/simpler-recycling-workplace-recycling-in-england
Ward is here to help ensure that your business stays compliant and avoids any complaints or penalties.
Absolutely WARD can help businesses understand what they need for Simpler Recycling.

Our waste experts can help you assess your waste levels and find the right recycling solution for you.

Contact us for a free waste audit https://www.ward.com/waste/commercial/free-waste-audit/
Ward offers a range of container sizes, including bags so we can offer a recycling solution to any business, event those short on space.

To find out about your options to comply with Simpler Recycling regulation, contact our waste experts at [email protected], call on 0345 337 0000 or complete the form on our website: https://www.ward.com/simpler-recycling/
Simpler Recycling aims to increase recycling rates and lessen environmental impact by reducing the amount of waste to landfill.

A businesses sustainable credentials depends on many different factors. Simpler Recycling should be part of a wider sustainability strategy.
The aim of Simpler Recycling is to increase recycling rates and reduce the amount of waste to landfill.

By adopting better waste management practices there is potential to reduce overall waste management costs.

As landfill tax continues to rise, reducing residual waste will have positive financial benefits longer term.

To increase your recycling rates, find out about cost effective solutions to comply with Simpler Recycling regulation, contact our waste experts at [email protected], call on 0345 337 0000 or complete the form on our website: https://www.ward.com/simpler-recycling/
No requirements will be in place to separately collect biodegradable or compostable plastic packaging as part of Simpler Recycling regulation at March 31st 2025.
No funding is currently available for businesses to implement requirements outlined in Simpler Recycling regulation. It is expected that businesses will continue to pay for their own waste management services.

Ward is able to provide advice and guidance for workplaces as they adopt recycling solutions to comply with the Simpler Recycling regulations from March 31st 2025.

To find out about cost effective solutions contact our waste experts at [email protected], call on 0345 337 0000 or complete the form on our website: https://www.ward.com/simpler-recycling/

 

NEXT STEPS…

To increase your recycling rates and get prepared for Simpler Recycling regulation, contact our waste experts on [email protected], call on 0345 337 0000 or complete the form below:

SIMPLER RECYCLING ENQUIRY