Greenzone is proud to announce it has achieved Cyber Essentials Plus (CE+) certification, underlining the company’s dedication to maintaining the highest standards of cybersecurity and data protection.

Cyber Essentials Plus is the most advanced level of certification offered under the UK government’s Cyber Essentials scheme. It involves a rigorous technical audit, verifying that Greenzone’s IT systems have the necessary defences in place to protect against common cyber threats.

Why Cyber Essentials Plus matters:

• For Greenzone: It strengthens our cyber defences, supports compliance with key regulatory standards, mitigates risk, and enhances our competitive position in the waste management industry.
• For our customers: It offers peace of mind that their data and services are protected to a government-backed, independently verified standard.

“Achieving Cyber Essentials Plus is a significant milestone for Greenzone, it reflects our proactive approach to cybersecurity and the hard work of our IT team in putting robust, effective controls in place to protect both the business and our customers. As we continue to grow and support our customers with sustainable waste solutions, cybersecurity remains a top priority. Cyber Essentials Plus gives our customers and partners confidence that their information is safe with us.” said Matt Morris, Head of IT at Greenzone.

Greenzone will continue investing in cyber protection to ensure ongoing compliance, security and trust across its operations.

As a leading force in sustainable waste management, we are looking to expand our commercial team with the appointment of a Corporate Business Development Manager – a new role set to power the company’s next phase of growth.

As businesses across the UK double down on sustainability and ESG targets, Greenzone continues to lead the charge by helping organisations reduce waste, increase recycling rates, and make smarter environmental decisions. Now, the company is seeking a strategic thinker and proven dealmaker to help unlock new markets and partnerships.

The new Corporate Business Development Manager will take the lead on identifying high-value opportunities, shaping innovative proposals, and representing Greenzone at industry events and exhibitions. It’s a chance to join a forward-thinking team with a clear mission: to make waste management simpler, greener, and more cost-effective.

Based in Newark, Nottinghamshire — with hybrid working options available — the role offers a competitive salary, generous benefits, and the opportunity to make a real impact in a company that values purpose as much as performance.

Greenzone is looking for someone with a strong background in B2B business development, ideally within the waste or facilities management sector. Strategic insight, commercial acumen, and top-tier communication skills are a must.

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If you’ve ever stood over your recycling bin wondering whether that crinkly plastic wrapper goes in or not, you’re not alone. Most of us in the UK do our bit—sorting our waste, rinsing out containers, and filling up the right bins each week. But here’s the surprising part: not all the plastic we toss in the recycling actually gets recycled.

Take plastic film, for example—the stuff that wraps your cucumbers or seals your ready meals. In most areas, that kind of plastic still ends up in the bin. But that’s about to change.

So, What Plastics Can You Recycle at Home?

According to Professor Karl Williams, a waste management expert at the University of Central Lancashire, there are three main types of plastic that are widely accepted in home recycling collections:

• PET (Polyethylene Terephthalate) – Think fizzy drink bottles.
• HDPE (High-Density Polyethylene) – Commonly used for milk jugs.
• LDPE (Low-Density Polyethylene) – Found in some food bags and flexible packaging.

But here’s the catch: not all councils accept the same materials. Some plastics—like polystyrene or certain films—are often excluded from curbside collections and end up being incinerated instead.

Why Is It So Confusing?

The short answer? Recycling rules vary wildly depending on where you live. What’s recyclable in one postcode might be landfill in another. That’s why you often see labels that say “recyclable where facilities exist.” It’s not just fine print—it’s a reflection of a patchy system.

Prof. Williams puts it plainly: “One of the major challenges we face is that recycling systems vary between regions. This inconsistency makes it harder for households to know what they can and can’t recycle.”

But Here’s the Good News

The government is rolling out a new initiative called Simpler Recycling, and it’s set to shake things up—in a good way.

Starting in 2025 for businesses and 2026 for households, all councils across England will be required to collect the same types of waste. That means no more postcode lottery when it comes to recycling.

And by March 2027, plastic films—yes, even those tricky wrappers—will be recyclable everywhere.

Prof. Williams says this is a “significant change” that will help councils upgrade their systems and include harder-to-recycle plastics like polystyrene. “It’s essential that we don’t keep producing plastic unless there’s a clear, accessible way to recycle it,” he adds.

What This Means for You

In just a couple of years, recycling in the UK will be simpler, clearer, and more consistent. You’ll be able to recycle more types of plastic from home, no matter where you live. And that’s a win for both the planet and your peace of mind.

MPs Approve Deposit Return Scheme Legislation

Last week, 352 MPs voted in favor of the Deposit Return Scheme (DRS) legislation, despite calls from supermarket executives for a delay.

Under the new law, supermarkets, grocery stores, convenience stores, and newsagents selling containers covered by the scheme must provide a return point for drink containers, unless exempt. These return points can be either manual or automated using reverse vending machines.

Businesses selling drinks for immediate consumption on their premises, such as cafes, restaurants, and pubs, have the option to not charge the deposit at the point of sale.

With the legislation now in effect in England and Northern Ireland, the Deposit Management Organisation (DMO), a not-for-profit, industry-led body, will be appointed to oversee the scheme’s administration and daily operations.

Starting from 1 October 2027, customers will pay a refundable deposit on certain single-use drink containers. This deposit will apply to containers made mainly from aluminium, steel, or PET plastic, with capacities between 150 millilitres and 3 litres, and intended for single or short-term use. Containers made from high-density polyethylene (HDPE), such as milk bottles, and those not intended for single use, are excluded from the scheme. Additionally, containers for liquid medicines, flavour enhancers, or sweeteners are not included.

Circular Economy Minister Mary Creagh commented on the legislation, stating, “This government will clean up Britain and end the throwaway society. This is a vital step as we stop the avalanche of rubbish that is filling up our streets, rivers, and oceans and protect our treasured wildlife. Turning trash into cash also delivers on our Plan for Change by kickstarting clean growth, ensuring economic stability, more resilient supply chains, and new green jobs.”

Northern Ireland’s Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs Minister Andrew Muir added, “I have ambitious goals to protect our climate, drive green growth, and reduce unnecessary waste. The creation of a DRS plays a key part in delivering those goals. The introduction of the new parliamentary regulations is a significant step in that process and signals our commitment to move forward together to make those ambitions a reality.”

New Responsibilities for Producers and Suppliers

In Scotland, similar responsibilities will apply, but the Scottish Government plans to introduce separate legislation and guidance. Wales withdrew from the development of an aligned DRS across the UK last year due to time constraints that prevented the UK Government from considering a request for an exclusion from the Internal Market Act (UKIM Act).

In England and Northern Ireland, all participants in the drinks supply chain must charge a deposit to their buyers when selling filled drink containers included in the scheme. This includes drink producers, importers, wholesalers, and retailers. Producers who manufacture in-scope drinks, import drinks to the UK, or fill and seal drink containers to order will also have responsibilities.

From 1 October 2027, producers must:

• Register with the DMO, with producer fees based on the number of containers placed on the market.
• Apply the deposit to all containers included in the scheme.
• Pay the collected deposits to the DMO when containers are sold to the next business in the supply chain.
• Comply with scheme labelling requirements.
• Report the number of drinks placed on the market.

The Benefits of a New Year Clear Out for Businesses

As the new year begins, it’s the perfect time for businesses to consider a thorough clearout. This practice not only helps in decluttering physical spaces but also sets a positive tone for the year ahead. Here are some key benefits of a new year clear out, focusing on clearing out unwanted or unused items, confidential documents, and bulky or broken items, and how it can enhance the work environment and productivity.

Clearing Out Unwanted or Unused Items

Over time, businesses accumulate a variety of items that are no longer needed. These can range from outdated office supplies to old furniture and equipment. Clearing out these items can:

1. Free Up Valuable Space: Removing unnecessary items creates more room for essential operations and can be repurposed for more productive uses
2. Improve Organization: A clutter-free environment makes it easier to organize and access necessary tools and resources, leading to more efficient workflows
3. Enhance Aesthetics: A tidy workspace is more visually appealing, which can boost employee morale and create a positive impression on clients and visitors

Confidential Document Clear Out

In addition to physical clutter, businesses often have a backlog of confidential documents that need to be securely disposed of.  Proper document destruction is crucial for:

1. Data Security: Shredding confidential documents prevents sensitive information from falling into the wrong hands, protecting the business from data breaches and identity theft
2. Compliance: Many industries have strict regulations regarding the handling and disposal of sensitive information. Secure document destruction ensures compliance with these regulations
3. Boosting Productivity: Outsourcing document destruction allows employees to focus on their core responsibilities rather than spending time shredding documents

Bulky and Broken Items

Bulky and broken items, such as old furniture and equipment, can take up significant space and pose safety hazards. Clearing these items can:

1. Enhance Safety: Removing broken items reduces the risk of accidents and injuries in the workplace
2. Optimize Space: Clearing out large, unused items frees up space that can be better utilized for productive activities
3. Promote Environmental Responsibility: Proper disposal and recycling of bulky items contribute to environmental sustainability

Benefits of a Clear Environment for Staff and Productivity

A clean and organized workspace has a direct impact on employee productivity and well-being. Some benefits include:

1. Increased Focus: A clutter-free environment reduces distractions, allowing employees to concentrate better on their tasks
2. Improved Morale: A tidy and well-maintained workspace boosts employee morale and job satisfaction
3. Healthier Work Environment: Regular cleaning and decluttering reduce the presence of dust and allergens, leading to a healthier workplace

Waste Services from Greenzone

Greenzone Facilities Management offers comprehensive waste management services that can assist businesses in their new year clear out.

By partnering with Greenzone, businesses can focus on their core activities while ensuring their waste is managed effectively and sustainably.

In conclusion, a new year clear out can significantly benefit businesses by creating a more organised, safe, and productive work environment. With the support of total waste management services like those offered by Greenzone, businesses can achieve these benefits efficiently and responsibly.

The “Simpler Recycling” initiative in England proposes significant reforms to streamline recycling practices and eliminate confusion regarding household waste management. Through targeted consultations, opinions were gathered on exemptions allowing the co-collection of specific recyclables and the development of statutory guidance

Key points from the consultations include:
• Majority support for exemptions to co-collect various recyclables without a written assessment.
• Concerns raised over potential impacts on recycling rates, contamination levels, and technological capabilities, but ultimately concluded that co-collection wouldn’t significantly hinder recycling potential.
• Varied opinions on building flexibility into waste collection contracts and defining materials in and out of scope for recyclable waste streams.
• Emphasis on local authority flexibility in determining collection frequencies for garden and residual waste to maximise recycling rates while addressing logistical challenges.
• Preference for anaerobic digestion as the preferred method for treating food waste, with composting permitted as an alternative.
• Considerations made regarding the provision of caddy liners for food waste collections and funding mechanisms for waste collection services.

As part of Simpler Recycling, the government intends to proceed with exemptions allowing co-collection of certain recyclables, including paper, card, plastic, metal, glass and the co collection of food waste with garden waste, without a written assessment. Additionally, the proposed collection frequencies include a minimum standard of a fortnightly collection for residual waste and offering garden waste collections for a minimum of 36 weeks in any calendar year, typically from March to October. These proposals aim to simplify recycling practices, enhance efficiency, and promote sustainable waste management across England.

Read more: https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/exemptions-and-statutory-guidance-for-simpler-recycling-in-england/outcome/government-response

#GreenzoneUK #GovUK #Recycling

Discover the power of sustainable solutions with Greenzone. It’s time to make your life easier, one click at a time

Our portal has been built from the ground up by our in-house development team to give you the information you need to manage your waste collections as efficiently as possible.

Watch the Customerzone demo: CLICK HERE

Stay Compliant
Our portal allows you to sign your Waste Transfer Notes at any time in just a couple of clicks. You can also download copies of any of your compliance documents.

Invoices & Scheduling
View and download your invoices anywhere, anytime as well as getting up to date copies of your schedules.

Raise Support Tickets
Raise a ticket with us at any time of day, our support agents will get back to you as soon as possible.

Collection Date
Login at any time and view your next collection, no more remembering which day to put the bin out.

Reports
View your latest waste totals at any time and keep up to date with our waste breakdowns.

Csutomerzone is FREE to all of our customers – no matter what the size of your business is.

Get in touch with Greenzone today to discuss how our waste recovery services can benefit your site.

Together, we can build a sustainable future. 

At Greenzone we know businesses typically generate substantial quantities of waste, including hazardous materials, electrical waste and sensitive documents in addition to regular weekly recycling & general waste.

Commercial skips are invaluable when dealing with large volumes of waste generated during various projects such as refurbishments, office or retail unit revamps and office clear-outs. In the process of selecting the appropriate skip size, businesses often find it beneficial to conduct an assessment of their waste volume. Greenzone offer a free site or desktop waste audit that offers an expert evaluation of your waste and recommends the most cost-effective skip size and collection frequency.

It’s worth noting that the skips and accompanying lorries, particularly the roll-on-roll-off types, may have increased weight and Greenzone takes this into consideration and advise on the necessary space for both delivery and removal. Additionally, when it becomes necessary to position a skip in a public space, we will secure the required skip permit on your behalf, ensuring strict compliance with regulations.

We understand the importance of recycling and using environmentally responsible practices. Greenzone’s suppliers actively segregate collected waste which supports our objective to increase recycling and divert waste from Landfill demonstrating our commitment to eco-friendly waste recovery.

Need a skip? Contact our friendly customer service team on today Sales@greenzoneuk.com