‘Simpler recycling’ legislation for businesses

Text reads simpler recycling for businesses with images of a recycling truck and bins

What your business needs to know

On 31 March, the government’s new ‘simpler recycling’ legislation will come into effect. Designed to improve recycling rates, reduce the need for waste disposal, and promote a greener future, these changes will impact all businesses with 10 employees or more across the UK.

Here’s what you need to know to stay compliant and ensure your recycling practices are current.

What are the new regulations?

Icons and names: paper and cardboard, metals, plastic, glass and food.

The new legislation requires all businesses to separate key recyclable materials from general waste to improve the efficiency of waste processing. The materials that must now be sorted separately include:

  • Glass
  • Food Waste
  • Metals*
  • Plastic*
  • Paper and Cardboard*

*These materials can be collected in a single dry mixed recycling bin.

The initiative aligns with the UK’s broader goals to reduce environmental impact and achieve a more circular economy.

What does this mean for your business?

 

To comply with the new rules, businesses with 10 employees or more must:

  • Ensure that recyclable materials are collected separately
  • Arrange for a dedicated collection service for each type of waste, including food or other organic waste such as garden waste.

For many businesses, compliance will require minimal adjustments. However, if your current waste collection doesn’t include separate bins or collections for food waste and glass waste, you must organise one before the 31 March deadline.

What does this look like for your business?

Four different coloured bins

Your waste management system (your bins) will require a minimum of two bins and a maximum of four bins:

  • General waste
  • Dry mixed recycling (metal, plastic, paper and card)
  • Glass waste (if you produce glass waste)
  • Food waste (if you produce food or other organic waste such as garden waste)

How will the legislation be enforced?

 

Compliance with the new regulations will be monitored by local authorities and environmental agencies. Businesses found to be in breach of the rules may face:

  • Fines or penalties for non-compliance
  • Inspections to assess waste separation practices
  • Potential legal action for repeated violations

To avoid these risks, businesses should act promptly to review and update their waste collections.

How Bristol Waste can help

Two men dressed in high visibility clothing in front of a waste collection truck

 

At Bristol Waste, we’re here to support you through these changes. With our comprehensive waste management services, we make recycling simple and efficient for businesses in Bristol and beyond. Here’s how we can assist:

  • Free waste audit: Our experienced team can review your current setup to ensure compliance and recommend any necessary changes
  • Flexible collection service: We offer separate collections for all mandated materials, including food waste, glass waste and dry mixed recycling
  • Expert advice: Our experienced team is on hand to answer your questions and provide guidance on meeting the new requirements

Why choose Bristol Waste?

 

We’re committed to delivering reliable, customer-focused solutions tailored to your business needs. By working with us, you’ll benefit from:

  • A dedicated account manager who understands your requirements
  • Competitive, transparent pricing to help you save time and money
  • Advanced technologies to streamline waste management and tracking
  • Social value delivered as standard – all our profits go directly back into delivering our crucial services to the city, including Bristol’s household recycling collection services and street cleaning

 

Don’t leave compliance to the last minute. If your business needs to adapt to the new regulations, we’re here to help every step of the way. Contact us to:

  • Schedule a free waste audit
  • Arrange for separate collections
  • Get advice tailored to your specific needs

Call us today on 0800 061 4321 or click here to learn more about how we can support your business in navigating the new recycling legislation.


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