Simpler Recycling: What You Need to Know About the Environment Act 2021 and Upcoming Changes.

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.

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