Are You Ready For The New Government Recycling Laws?
The UK Government are introducing major changes to waste management in England. With new rules on the horizon, will you be ready?
The UK Government has introduced new waste legislation that will soon be bringing significant changes to how businesses manage their waste. From 31st March 2025, businesses will be required by law to organise their waste into three separate streams:
- Dry Recyclables - Plastics, Metals, Glass, Paper, Cardboard.
- Food Waste - All food waste including leftovers and food preparation.
- Residual Waste - General waste that cannot be recycled or composted.
With these new regulations, businesses must stay informed and compliant to avoid penalties and contribute to a more sustainable future.
what happens to the waste?
The goal of this new legislation is to improve recycling rates, simplify waste management, and reduce cross contamination. By separating recyclable waste, the government aims to:
- Sort, clean, and process dry recyclables into their core materials for reuse in other products.
- Process food waste through composting or anaerobic digestion, which converts it into biofuel and digestates.
who will this affect?
The changes being implemented will affect all businesses in England, as those in Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland already have their own rules and regulations in place.
- 31st March 2025 - Businesses with 10+ full-time employees will be required to separate their waste.
- March 2027 - Small businesses under 10 employees will be required to separate their waste.
Businesses that don't comply with the the upcoming changes within the specified timeframe may receive penalties.
how to prepare your business
With the legislation approaching, there's still time to get ahead of the upcoming changes.
- Audit your current waste procedures - Are you already disposing of your waste correctly, or can improvements be made?
- Educate your teams - Ensure staff are aware of the upcoming regulations to avoid unnecessary mistakes.
- Upgrade your equipment - Invest in appropriate bins and bin bags to facilitate waste separation. We suggest colour coding or labelling for different waste types.
- Seek Advice - If you’re unsure whether your waste management processes meet the new regulations, consult with a specialist or your waste collectors.
By taking proactive steps now, businesses can ensure compliance and avoid any nasty penalties once April arrives. If you need help with reorganising your waste disposal procedures, check out our workplace recycling guide or get in touch with one of our specialists. We're happy to help.
