The UK Government’s Environment Act 2021 is bringing in a series of reforms to the way waste is handled, and one of the key elements businesses need to be aware of is Simpler Recycling. This new approach aims to make recycling easier for businesses, reduce landfill waste, and contribute to a more sustainable, circular economy.

The government has introduced new regulations under the Environment Act 2021 and amendments to the Environmental Protection Act 1990, which will impact your business operations. It’s essential to understand these changes and take action to remain compliant.

What is Simpler Recycling?

The Simpler Recycling initiative is designed to simplify waste management for businesses by ensuring recyclable materials are properly sorted before collection. By complying with these new standards, your business will contribute to a more efficient recycling process.

The key recyclable materials, referred to as Recyclable Waste Streams (RWS), must be separated as follows:

• Paper and Cardboard: Office paper, magazines, newspapers, and cardboard packaging.
• Plastics: Empty plastic bottles, clean food containers, and packaging materials.
• Glass: Glass bottles, jars, wine bottles, and sauce jars.
• Metals: Empty aluminium cans, tins, and foil trays.
• Food Waste: Leftover food, vegetable peelings, tea bags, and coffee grounds.

Effective sorting of these materials ensures they are recycled correctly, helping your business stay compliant and contribute to environmental sustainability.

What Does This Mean for Your Business?

By 31 March 2025, businesses must separate recyclable waste into specific categories. Greenzone is committed to helping you navigate this process smoothly and ensure full compliance with the new regulations. If your business employs fewer than 10 people, you are classified as a micro firm and are exempt from these requirements until March 2027.

Key Details of the New Simpler Recycling Regulations

• Deadline: Businesses must start segregating recyclable waste streams by 31 March 2025.
• Action Required: Review your waste management systems and ensure you have processes in place for proper segregation.
• Government Guidance: For full details, you can view the official government guidance on Simpler Recycling in England: policy update – GOV.UK.

Advice and Support

To support your compliance, please begin reviewing your waste management processes:

1. Identify Recyclable Waste Streams (RWS): Understand the types of recyclable materials generated at your sites and estimate the quantities.
2. Internal Waste Segregation: Ensure that you have proper bins and systems in place for segregating recyclable materials at the point of generation.
3. Co-mingling Considerations: Some Recyclable Waste Streams, such as paper and cardboard or plastics and metals, can be co-mingled together. However, food waste must be separated from other Recyclable Waste Streams. General waste must always remain separate from all Recyclable Waste Streams.

By addressing these steps, you’ll ensure your waste management systems align with the new requirements, and Greenzone will be ready to support you with tailored solutions.

Download Simpler Recycling PDF Guide

 

Get In Touch

Greenzone is here to guide you through these changes and help your business stay on track with Simpler Recycling. If you have any questions or need assistance, please contact our team.

Together, we can make recycling simpler and contribute to a positive environmental impact.

More and more Brits are turning to second-hand options when it comes to fashion, furniture, and electronics—signalling a powerful shift in consumer habits towards sustainability and affordability.

According to the latest data from the British Retail Consortium, nearly half (45%) of UK adults have purchased second-hand clothing in the past year. Meanwhile, one in five opted for pre-loved furniture for their most recent home update. This growing trend is prompting retailers to expand their resale offerings to keep pace with popular peer-to-peer platforms like eBay, Vinted, Facebook Marketplace, and Gumtree.

Furniture and Tech: A Growing Market

Second-hand furniture purchases have seen a notable rise, with 21% of Brits buying used pieces in the past 12 months—up from 15% the year before. The trend extends to tech too, with increased interest in refurbished smartphones, laptops, TVs, and PCs.

Interestingly, while the 60–78 age group led the charge in second-hand furniture buying, it’s the younger generation (18–27) who are the most active second-hand shoppers overall.

Trust and Transparency Still Key

Despite the momentum, some shoppers remain hesitant. Research from BSI and CISL highlights the need for clearer standards around hygiene, safety, and quality to build consumer confidence in the second-hand market. Collaboration between standards bodies and resellers will be key to unlocking further growth.

Fashion Forward: Second-Hand Style

Clothing remains the most popular second-hand category. Nearly 43% of Brits reported buying second-hand adult clothing in the past year, with around one in three choosing pre-loved shoes and one in five opting for children’s clothing.

However, the BRC notes a slight dip in second-hand fashion purchases year-on-year, suggesting the market may be reaching a saturation point. Some consumers may also be influenced by minimalist lifestyle trends like the “No Buy” challenge, which encourages reduced consumption altogether.

A Circular Future

Sophie De Salis, Sustainability Policy Advisor at the British Retail Consortium, summed it up perfectly: “It is great to see so many people, across all generations, embracing the circular economy. Second-hand is no longer seen as second best. It has become a first choice for sustainability, affordability and individuality.”

EcoVadis bronze certification for excellence in sustainability

We are excited to announce that we have been awarded the prestigious EcoVadis Bronze certification, recognising our commitment to sustainability and responsible business practices.

At Greenzone we understand the importance of sustainability, not only for our business but for our customers and the broader community. This certification is a testament to the work we’ve done to implement responsible waste management strategies throughout our business. It also highlights our continued focus on improving our environmental, social, and governance (ESG) performance to meet the growing demand for more sustainable solutions.

EcoVadis, the leading sustainability rating platform, evaluates companies based on four key pillars: Environment, Labour & Human Rights, Ethics, and Sustainable Procurement. We are proud to share that EcvoVardis rated us:

• In terms of Environmental Impact, we are in the top 5% of companies in our industry
• In Labour & Human Rights, we are in the top 19% of companies rated in our industry
• In Ethical Business Practices, we are in the top 8% of companies rated in our industry
• In Sustainable Procurement, we are in the top 20% of companies rated in our industry

Jack Connors, Chief Operating Officer said; “I’m proud to share that Greenzone has been awarded an EcoVadis Bronze Medal, placing us in the top 35% of companies globally for sustainability. This certification reflects our commitment to responsible, ethical, and sustainable waste management. Sustainability is at the heart of what we do, and this recognition reinforces our dedication to helping businesses meet ESG goals while maintaining compliance. This is a fantastic milestone, but we’re aiming even higher – driving continuous improvement and greater impact. Thank you to everyone who contributed – we’re on the path to an even more sustainable future.”

To read more about EcoVadis visit: EcoVadis

For more information on our ESG stance visit: Environment & Sustainability 

£15 Million Food Surplus Fund Now Open for Applications

We are excited to announce that the UK Government has launched a new £15 million fund to tackle food surplus at the farm gate. This initiative aims to ensure that surplus food reaches those in need, rather than going to waste.

Key Details:

• Funding Available: Grants starting from £20,000 are available for food redistribution charities.
• Purpose: The fund will help charities form relationships with farmers to access surplus food and increase their capacity to redistribute it to communities.
• Eligible Uses: Funding can be used for purchasing packaging, labelling equipment, vehicles, and storage solutions like fridges and freezers.

Application Process:

Applications are open until 11:55 am on 13 March 2025. Interested charities can submit their bids online, outlining how they plan to collaborate with farmers and enhance their food redistribution efforts.

Minister’s Statement:

Circular Economy Minister Mary Creagh emphasized the importance of this initiative, stating, “Nobody wants to see good food go to waste – especially farmers who work hard to put food on our nation’s tables. This fund will help charities work more closely with farmers to create new ways to get fresh produce to the people who need it most.”

Sector Leaders’ Support:

Leaders from key food redistribution organizations, including The Bread and Butter Thing, City Harvest, FareShare, and The Felix Project, have expressed their support for the fund. They highlighted the potential for this initiative to make a significant impact by empowering local charities and community organizations.

For more information visit the official GOV.UK page.

The UK Government’s Environment Act 2021 is bringing in a series of reforms to the way waste is handled, and one of the key elements businesses need to be aware of is Simpler Recycling. This new approach aims to make recycling easier for businesses, reduce landfill waste, and contribute to a more sustainable, circular economy.

But what exactly is Simpler Recycling? What does it mean for your business? And how can you prepare to meet the new requirements? In this detailed blog post, we’ll break down everything you need to know about the Simpler Recycling regime, the associated legislation, and what steps you can take to ensure your business is compliant before the changes come into effect in April 2025.

What is Simpler Recycling?

Simpler Recycling is a new initiative for organisations in England designed to simplify the process of recycling for businesses and organisations. Introduced as part of the Environment Act 2021, it requires businesses to separate key recyclable waste streams, helping the UK improve its recycling rates and reduce reliance on landfills.

Under Simpler Recycling, businesses will be required to separate the following waste streams for recycling:

1. Plastic
2. Glass
3. Metal
4. Paper & Cardboard
5. Food Waste
6. Garden Waste (where applicable)

The aim is to make sure that recyclable materials are managed effectively, reducing contamination and ensuring more of the UK’s waste can be processed and reused.

Why Was Simpler Recycling Introduced?

The Environment Act 2021 was designed to address the growing need for sustainable waste management across England. One of the key objectives of Simpler Recycling is to create a clearer, more straightforward process for businesses, ensuring that recyclable materials are handled appropriately and sent to the right recycling facilities.

Currently, many businesses use Dry Mixed Recycling (DMR), which allows Plastic, Metal, and Paper/Cardboard to be collected together. While this co-mingling has been helpful, the government is considering moving to single-stream recycling, where each type of recyclable material would need to be separated before collection. This is one of the key details still being finalised.

What Are the Requirements of Simpler Recycling?

Under Simpler Recycling, all businesses must have appropriate recycling services in place to manage their waste streams. This will include:

• Food recycling: If your business generates any food waste (including from staff meals on-site), you will need to implement a food waste collection service.
• Glass recycling: Even if your business only generates a small amount of glass waste (e.g., a single glass jar each month), it must be separated and recycled.
• No General Waste-only services: A General Waste-only collection will no longer be allowed under the new regulations. All recyclable materials must be properly sorted and disposed of through the appropriate channels.

 

What Are the Next Steps?

The Government, through DEFRA (Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs) and the EA (Environment Agency), is still finalising certain elements of the Simpler Recycling regulations. The main point still under discussion is whether businesses will be able to continue using co-mingled recycling (DMR) for Plastic, Metal, and Paper/Cardboard, or whether they will need to transition to single-stream recycling.

As it stands, the requirement for businesses to separate Food and Glass waste is clear and non-negotiable. This means that all organisations will need to have services in place for those specific waste streams, regardless of the final decision on DMR.

How Will Simpler Recycling Impact Businesses?

Most businesses are already handling their waste responsibly, and many will only need to make minor adjustments to comply with the new regulations. If your business already separates Food and Glass waste, the changes may be minimal.

However, if single-stream recycling is introduced, businesses will need to take steps to ensure that all recyclable materials are separated individually (i.e., separate bins for Plastic, Metal, and Paper/Cardboard). This could mean adjustments to waste collection contracts and processes.

At this stage, the most important thing is for businesses to start reviewing their current waste streams and ensuring they have the necessary services in place to handle Food and Glass waste. If the final regulations permit co-mingled recycling (DMR) to continue, many businesses will already be compliant and will only need to ensure they have services for the remaining streams.

What Is Greenzone Doing to Support Customers?

At Greenzone, we are closely monitoring the latest updates from DEFRA and the EA regarding Simpler Recycling. We’re committed to helping our customers navigate these changes smoothly and ensure full compliance before the regulations take effect in March 2025.

We will provide a detailed action plan as soon as the final regulations are confirmed, outlining the steps your business needs to take to comply with the new rules. Our team will be available to assist with any adjustments, including adding new recycling services or modifying existing contracts to ensure you’re fully prepared for Simpler Recycling.

How Can Your Business Prepare?

In the meantime, it’s a good idea to start considering the following:

• What waste streams does your business produce? Review the types of waste your business generates, particularly Food and Glass waste, and ensure you have the right services in place to manage these streams.
• What recycling services do you currently use? If you’re currently using DMR for Plastic, Metal, and Paper/Cardboard, stay tuned for updates on whether co-mingling will continue to be permitted.
• Plan for potential single-stream recycling. If the government mandates single-stream recycling, your business may need to separate recyclables more carefully, so it’s worth thinking ahead about the logistics of this
  change.

 

Final Thoughts

Simpler Recycling is a positive step toward a greener, more sustainable future. By separating waste at the source and recycling more efficiently, businesses can play a key role in reducing environmental impact and contributing to the UK’s overall sustainability goals.

As the final details of the legislation are confirmed, Greenzone will continue to keep you informed and provide the support you need to comply with the new regulations. We’ll ensure your business is ready to meet the March 2025 deadline and transition smoothly to the new Simpler Recycling system.

Stay tuned for more updates, and feel free to reach out to our team if you have any questions in the meantime!

Get in touch with us today to review your current waste management services or discuss how Simpler Recycling might affect your business.

#EvironmentAct2021 #WasteManagement #RecyclingLegislation #DEFRA #WasteSeparation #BusinessRecyclingRegulations

At Greenzone, we are dedicated to maintaining a working environment that is safe, respectful, and inclusive for everyone. We have a zero-tolerance approach towards discrimination, harassment, bullying, sexual harassment or unwanted behaviour of any kind.

What we stand for

• Prevention and protection from unwanted behaviour – This includes bullying, harassment, discrimination, or actions that harm the dignity and well-being of any individual.
• Zero-tolerance for sexual harassment – Unwanted advances, inappropriate comments or any form of sexual harassment will not be tolerated, regardless of who is involved.
• Action – We have robust policies and procedures in place, and we encourage employees to ‘’speak up’’ and report any incidents or concerns immediately. Every report will be taken seriously, investigated thoroughly and sensitively, and resolved quickly to ensure a safe workplace.
• Harassment by third parties – Our employees are encouraged and empowered to excuse themselves or withdraw from interactions with third parties (for example: customers, suppliers, visitors to our offices, etc) if that interaction creates an intimidating, hostile, degrading, humiliating or offensive environment for them.

 

Support

We support any employee who raises concerns about harassment in the workplace and we offer confidential support for anyone affected by harassment including through our Employee Assistance Programme. Our goal is to create a respectful and collaborative environment where all employees feel valued.

We believe everyone deserves to work in a place free from harassment. Together, we can maintain a diverse, inclusive and safe workplace built on kindness, dignity and respect.

We are thrilled to announce that our entry; “Greenzone’s Strategic Waste Management Excellence with cardfactory” at the National Recycling Awards has been shortlisted in the Partnership Excellence – Commercial category.

Greenzone are proud to be Cardfactory’s trusted total waste management provider, supporting their nationwide operations and continued growth of new stores annually.

Our tailored solutions ensure cost-effectiveness and environmental sustainability, with impressive results. Together, we’re transforming operations and protecting our planet.

The awards ceremony will take place on the 26th November in London. Click here for full details of award categories and finalists: https://nra.mrw.co.uk/2024/en/page/2024-shortlist

Congratulations to all those who made the shortlist!!

#GreenzoneUK #Cardfactory #PartnershipExcellence #NRA

A survey has revealed concerns about a green skills gap in the waste and resources sector, which is set to treble in staffing in less than a decade.

The survey, from the Chartered Institution of Wastes Management (CIWM), the Environmental Services Association (ESA), Groundwork and the Environmental Services and Solutions Expo, gathered data from 1,498 professionals from across environmental services.

More than half of respondents expressed the view that UK businesses are unprepared for the transition to a sustainable future. A quarter of respondents cited the need for more training in waste management and circular economy building.

More than one in 10 reported a shortage of skills in climate change adaptation and resilience building.

Adam Read, chief external affairs and sustainability officer at Suez Recycling and Recovery UK and member of the Government’s Green Skills Delivery Group, said the resources and waste management sector is set to treble from 150,000 to nearly 450,000 staff in just under a decade

“To prepare for this, the sector must continue to improve its attractiveness and upskill it workforce to ensure staff retention,” Read said.

He said that key skills in demand include technology, design, AI, communications, engineering, policy implementation, regulation and data analysis. He called for more training programmes, apprenticeship schemes and collaboration with educational institutions.

Brindleyplace is further focusing on its sustainability targets by partnering with Greenzone to help it hit its sustainable business goals.

A number of initiatives have already been implemented across the Estate, such as an extensive use of solar panels, smart meters, air quality monitoring and state-of-the art software analysis to help reduce energy consumption, while waste materials are already recycled and repurposed.

Matt Long, Senior Asset Manager for Praxis at Brindleyplace, said:

“Brindleyplace is the largest mixed-use instruction in the Praxis portfolio, but we’re working in close partnership with Greenzone throughout all Praxis assets to maximise the effectiveness of our existing recycling strategy as well as finding new ways to recycle even more material beyond our current 90%+ approach.

“Our continued commitment to refurbishing, repurposing and repositioning this iconic estate focuses on maximising the use of everything that’s here and making it work even harder towards our goal of a Net Zero future.”

Greenzone Facilities Management will take this existing approach to the next level with bespoke, low-carbon waste solutions that will create a safer, cleaner and more sustainable future for all. The company’s ‘Total Waste Management’ solutions are built around a shared approach to sustainability and working with its supply chain to maximise the effectiveness while ensuring business continuity.

It has a comprehensive plan of providing real-time management information, data collection, training and engagement and innovation in partnership with the estate and has already made significant changes to the day-to-day operations at Brindleyplace to reduce the Estate’s carbon footprint and help it reach its sustainability targets.

Greenzone operate a ‘reduction-first’ approach but understands carbon emissions are sometimes unavoidable and the most effective way to combat this is through sustainable offsetting. It has partnered with Carma, a company that employs veterans and service leavers to plant trees in the UK. This reforestation fights climate change and boosts both environmental and social wellbeing which fully aligns with Brindleyplace’s values, helping the Estate offset its own carbon emissions and those of its customers and business partners.

It’s all part of the Estate’s commitment to a greener future, with people at the heart of everything it does, whether it is remodelling an existing building, or reinventing public space. It has a decade of transformation ahead, during which the estate will build on the hard work already put into its long-term plans.

Kristy Pink, Head of Account Management at Greenzone said:

“When Greenzone mobilised the Brindleyplace estate, a new Weightron system had just been implemented to measure the weight of waste generated by each tenant and the type of waste stream.  The bins are loaded on to a weighbridge and allocated to the correct tenant under the correct waste stream.

“This data allows us to collaborate with Brindleyplace tenants to promote waste segregation and enhance recycling efforts by providing education, training, and conducting site audits.

“This is already proving an immensely successful activation with significant improvements being noted in the disposal of waste by tenants across the Estate.”

Brindleyplace has been segregating different waste streams for many years, but with the help of Greenzone, the estate is now taking this work to the next level. Greenzone’s comprehensive site audits and real-time management information, powered by their advanced technology, have identified key improvements in the source segregation of various recycling materials. Their consultative approach and data-driven insights are enabling Brindleyplace to optimise recycling efforts, focusing on re-use and significantly reducing the Estate’s carbon footprint.

Original Source