Simpler Recycling
Is your business compliant with England’s recycling legislation?
What is Simpler Recycling?
‘Simpler Recycling’ is the name given to the new set of regulations, introduced by the Government on 21 October 2023.
The regulation aims to dispel any confusion regarding recyclable and non-recyclable materials whilst providing consistency in recycling practices for homes, workplaces and schools across England.
It came into effect on 31 March 2025.
In practical terms, what does this legislation mean?
It means that, from 31 March 2025, all businesses and other non-household premises with 10 or more full-time employees must have a separate collection for dry recyclable materials (plastic, paper and card, glass, metals) and must separate food waste from general waste, regardless of the amount produced.
Micro-firms (businesses with fewer than 10 full-time employees) must have these collections in place by 31 March 2027.
Also from 31 March 2027, recyclable plastic film packaging and plastic bags will need to be separated by everyone
How to make your business compliant
Ensure compliance by making sure you have the right containers and collections in place. This is particularly important for food waste, as it must be in a separate container from general waste.
You’re likely to need containers for:
- Metals (tins and cans, aluminium)
- Plastic (bottles, pots, tubs and trays)
- Paper & Card
- Dairy products
- Tea bags and coffee grounds
- Raw and cooked meat and bones
- Fruit and vegetables
- Leftovers
- Non-recyclable packaging
- Contaminated recyclables
- Tissues (serviettes and napkins)
- Polystyrene
- Bubble wrap
- Shredded paper
- Floor sweepings
While the Environment Agency cannot issue on the spot fine, non-compliance is a criminal offence and may be escalated to court if a compliance notice is ignored.
Who does Simpler Recycling apply to?
All businesses in England will be affected by Simpler Recycling but the timeline differs depending on the size of your businesses.
From 31 March 2025, all businesses and non-domestic premises in England with 10 or more full-time employees are required to comply with Simpler Recycling regulations.
From 31 March 2027, micro-businesses (any business with fewer than 10 full time employees must comply with the Simpler Recycling requirements.
What will happen if my business doesn’t comply with Simpler Recycling regulations?
Non-compliance with Simpler Recycling regulations in England can result in several consequences. These may include compliance notices from the Environment Agency, financial penalties and potential legal action. Waste collections may also be refused if recyclable materials or food waste are not properly separated into the designated bins resulting in contamination. If this happens, your business may be required to pay a wasted journey fee to the waste collector.
What about if my business has multiple sites?
The regulations apply to all businesses and non-household premises with 10 or more full-time employees, regardless of how many employees are on site at one time.
The full-time equivalent employment is calculated on a business basis, not on a site-by-site basis, which means that if you have more than 10 full-time employees spread across multiple sites, you must still comply.
Do I need to separate waste collected from customer/visitor-facing litter bins?
Yes, from 31 March 2025, waste from both internal and external litter bins must be separated if it is household-like waste.
Can paper and card be collected with other recyclables?
Simpler Recycling requires paper and cardboard to be collected separately. However, if doing so is not technically or economically practical, or offers no significant environmental benefit, they may be collected together with other recyclables.
Most businesses don’t have the space to separate all recyclable materials on-site. That’s why the most practical solution for handling dry recyclables is to collect them in a single container.
At Grundon, your mixed materials are then sent to one of our state-of-the-art Materials Recovery Facilities (MRFs), which are specifically designed to efficiently sort and separate different materials. This ensures that even when paper, card, plastics, and cans are collected together, they are carefully sorted into clean, high-quality materials ready for reprocessing.
However, for businesses producing large volumes of cardboard, for example logistics companies, a dedicated cardboard collection service is recommended.
Can the EA issue on-the-spot fines?
No. The Environment Agency cannot issue fines on the spot. However, non-compliance is a criminal offence and may be escalated to court if a compliance notice is ignored.
Useful Resources
Simpler Recycling FAQs – May 2025
In May 2025, Defra released new guidance on Simpler Recycling. This updated FAQ guide breaks down everything you need to know about the Simpler Recycling regulations, including what they mean for your business and what could happen if you do not comply.
Prepare for the 2025 Simpler Recycling mandate: A five-step guide for businesses
Understand the ‘Simpler Recycling’ regulations and learn how to prepare your business for compliance.
Is your business ready for the new food waste legislation?
The government is introducing significant changes in how businesses dispose of food waste.
Simpler Recycling explained by Alex Grant, Sustainability Manager
To help you navigate the Simpler Recycling requirements, our Sustainability Manager, Alex Grant, answers your most frequently asked questions in this short video.
Simpler Recycling FAQ’s
Everything you need to know about the Simpler Recycling regulations, covering standardised recycling processes, timelines and what happens if you do not comply.
Simpler Recycling Timeline
For non-household premises
(businesses, hospitals, schools)
How Grundon can help
Our team is here to support your business as you adapt to these recycling requirements.
Contact us today to learn how we can help you reduce both the environmental and financial impact of your waste, while ensuring full compliance with the new regulation.