Simpler Recycling in England: What You Need to Know

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.