Simpler recycling for business
Worried about the new 2025 simpler recycling legislation? We've got you covered.
What's changing in 2025?
From 31 March 2025, all businesses, healthcare establishments, and academic institutions will be required to separate specific recyclable materials from general waste. These new regulations aim to improve recycling rates, reduce disposal waste, and contribute to a greener future.
Businesses must separate the following recyclable materials:
• Cardboard, Paper, Metals and Plastic – can be collected together as Dry Mixed Recycling (DMR)
• Glass
• Food waste
Bristol Waste can help your business stay compliant.
What needs to be recycled?
- Glass – Packaging, including bottles and jars
- Metal – Cans, aerosols, foil, food trays, jar lids, bottle caps, and aluminium tubes
- Plastic – Bottles, pots, tubs, trays, plastic film, and bags
- Cardboard and paper – excluding items with glitter, foil, or lamination, stickers, padded envelopes, books, and wallpaper
- Food waste – Any food or biodegradable by-products from food preparation
Don't worry, we've got you covered
Bristol Waste makes recycling compliance easy and affordable.
- Free site visit and waste audit
- Stay legally compliant with the new regulations
- Reduce your costs and recycle more
- Local, flexible and reliable service
Key dates
31 March 2025: Businesses with 10 or more full-time employees must arrange collections for dry recyclables and food waste*.
31 March 2027: Plastic film collections begin for all businesses, and small businesses (fewer than 10 full-time employees) must start collections for all recyclable materials.
*There is no minimum threshold for food waste – all businesses generating food waste must arrange for its separate collection.
Small businesses and exemptions
Small businesses with fewer than 10 full-time employees are temporarily exempt from the full changes until 31st March 2027 but are not exempt from recycling food waste. We encourage all businesses to prepare early for a seamless transition.
Get in touch
Get ahead of the simpler recycling changes and make your business part of the solution. Fill out the form below with your enquiry details and one of our commercial team will be in contact. Alternatively, call 0800 061 4321.
