What is Simpler Recycling?
Simpler Recycling is government legislation that aims to standardise recycling across England and increase the amount of waste recycled rather than sent to landfill for energy recovery.
Under this legislation, all businesses must separate recycling from waste before collection.
Does Simpler Recycling affect my business?
Regardless of the size of the business, Simpler Recycling applies to most organisations that produce waste, including businesses, charities and public sector organisations.
Microbusinesses – fewer than 10 employees
Required to comply with Simpler Recycling regulations from: 31st March 2027
Large and medium businesses – more than 10 employees
Required to comply with Simpler Recycling regulations from: 31st March 2025
What does my business need to do?
To be compliant with Simpler Recycling, your business needs to:
1. Separate your recyclables from general waste into dry recyclables, glass and food waste
2. Make recycling easy for your staff and customers with labelled bins and posters
3. Arrange for a collection for each waste stream from a waste management provider
What can be recycled?
Separate your recycling from your general waste into 3 waste streams
Cardboard, paper, plastic and cans
Dry recyclables
Mixed glass bottles and jars
Glass
Leftovers, peelings, tea bags and coffee grounds
Food
Important things to know about Simpler Recycling
Your waste provider may reject contaminated bins, which can result in additional charges.
To avoid contamination, ensure you:
- Clearly label all bins
- Place bins where waste is generated
- Train employees on how to correctly separate waste
Simpler Recycling doesn’t just apply to your workforce. If you have customers or visitors at your business, you must also separate their waste too.
Businesses have a legal duty to follow the Simpler Recycling legislation.
Those who choose to ignore it may face penalties from the Environment Agency as well as from the local government.
Why use Bristol Waste?
Our profits don’t go to private shareholders, they’re invested back into vital city services for Bristol and the places we serve.
Choosing Bristol Waste means supporting local communities.
We create local jobs, champion social value initiatives, and help businesses give back through reuse, repair and sustainability programmes.
Request a quote
Fill out the form below with your enquiry details and one of our commercial team will be in contact. Alternatively, call 0800 061 4321.