From March 2025, businesses across England will face new legal requirements under the government’s Simpler Recycling 2025 policy. These changes aim to create a consistent national approach to recycling, replacing the patchwork of local rules with one standard set of expectations.
For businesses, this means new responsibilities, tighter deadlines, and in some cases, a rethink of how waste is managed day-to-day. Read on to learn when the deadlines are, what will need to be collected, what can be combined, and more with the team at Recycling Lives Services.
Who needs to comply and when
The Simpler Recycling legislation (2025) states that if your business has 10 or more full-time equivalent employees, you’ll need to be compliant by 31 March 2025. That applies whether you operate from a single site or have multiple premises.
Micro-firms, defined as those with fewer than 10 full-time equivalent employees, have a longer runway. You’re exempt until 31 March 2027, giving you two more years to prepare. But that doesn’t mean you can ignore the changes. Many micro-firms will still benefit from reviewing waste processes ahead of time, particularly if you share space with larger businesses or rely on third-party facilities.
What you’ll need to collect
Most businesses will be required to separate out three categories of recyclable waste:
- Food waste (if you produce it)
- Paper and card
- Plastic, metal and glass
The government’s new standard requires paper and card to be kept separate from other dry recyclables unless it’s not technically or economically practical to do so. In those cases, you’re allowed to mix paper and card with the other materials, but you’ll need to produce a short written assessment justifying that decision. Businesses that produce both food and garden waste may be allowed to co-collect these materials.
Plastic film is not part of the core requirement yet, but eventually will be. From 31 March 2027, businesses and relevant non-domestic premises will need to include plastic film in their collections.
Where the rules do and don’t apply
There is some built-in flexibility for businesses that face logistical barriers: if your premises don’t allow for multiple bins, or if the volume of waste is too small to justify separate streams, for example. If you decide to co-collect paper and card with your other recyclables, you’ll need to document your reasoning, however. Waste contractors will also need to keep written assessments on file to show compliance.
This means you should carefully assess your site’s capacity and waste generation before deciding to combine materials. Keeping clear records of these decisions not only helps demonstrate compliance during inspections but also supports better communication with your waste contractor. Being proactive with documentation can prevent potential fines and streamline audits, ensuring your business meets legal obligations without disruption.
Implementation
The Simpler Recycling policy is simple enough in principle, but implementation will vary depending on how your current waste contract is structured. Many businesses will need to revisit their service agreements before the deadline. That might involve adding a new stream, tweaking collection frequencies, or working with a new provider altogether.
Get ready now
Don’t wait until the last minute to start. If you have more than 10 employees, you’re expected to already have a compliant system in place, and that includes any necessary paperwork, bin infrastructure, and contractor agreements. Early action will help you avoid last-minute disruptions and give you time to train staff on new procedures so that your business can have a smooth transition.
If you run a smaller firm, it’s still worth reviewing your waste setup now. The deadline may be further off, but the pressure on local services, property managers and shared contractors will only increase as the deadline approaches. Preparing ahead can help you identify potential challenges, negotiate better terms with waste providers, and stay ahead of any regulatory updates. Taking these steps early also positions your business to benefit from improved recycling efficiency and potential cost savings – it’s good for everyone.
Talk to us
We work directly with businesses to help them meet new legal requirements and build compliant, efficient waste systems. Whether you need a full review of your current setup, support creating a written justification, or simply advice on what to do next, we’re here to help. We’ll help you adjust to the Simpler Recycling changes with minimal disruption to your business.
Get in touch today to talk through your options.