Prepare early, stay compliant while actively contributing to a greener, more sustainable future with Lili Waste Services.
Simpler Recycling UK: What the New Rules Mean for Your Business and Home
In 2023, the UK government launched the Simpler Recycling initiative to make recycling easier for everyone—businesses and households alike. The goal is to clear up confusion about what can be recycled, helping us all contribute to a greener future.
Important Deadlines for Businesses
- By March 31, 2025: If your business has 10 or more full time employees regardless of how many employees are on site at one time, you’ll need to start separating key recyclables like plastic, glass, paper, metal, and food waste. For instance, if your business operates five locations and employs only two full-time staff members at each site, you will still need to comply with the Simpler Recycling regulations. This step will help reduce waste and support a more sustainable economy.
- By March 31, 2026: Local councils will begin enforcing similar recycling rules for households.
- By March 31, 2027: Micro-businesses with fewer than 10 employees will also need to comply with the new rules. (Please note this remains subject to legislative confirmation).
Who Needs to Pay Attention?
These new recycling rules apply to all businesses and non-household locations in England, including:
- Small and Medium Businesses (SMEs)
- Charities
- Schools
- Hospitals
- Places of worship
What Does This Mean for You?
If you run a business, here’s what you need to do by March 31, 2025:
- Separate your waste: You’ll need to sort recyclable materials like plastic, glass, metals, paper/cardboard, and food waste into separate containers.
- Stay informed: Defra, the government department behind this initiative, may change how recyclables are collected, so be sure to keep an eye out for updates. You might need to separate them into different bins or combine them into Dry Mixed Recycling (DMR)—but food waste always needs to be kept separate.
Future Changes to Keep in Mind
- By March 31, 2027, you’ll also need to recycle plastic films (e.g., packaging). However, compostable and biodegradable plastics should still be thrown out with general waste.
Let Lili Waste Services Help You Stay on Track
We know that new recycling rules can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to navigate these changes alone. Lili Waste Services is here to help your business meet these new requirements with ease. Our team can guide you through every step of the process, making sure you’re fully compliant while keeping things simple and stress-free.
We offer tailored waste management solutions to fit your business, no matter its size. You’ll be helping the environment and staying ahead of the game!
Your Waste Recycling Guide
Paper & Card Recycling
You can recycle most paper and card, but here’s what can’t go in the recycling:
- Paper or card with glitter or foil
- Laminated paper
- Sticky notes or sticker sheets
- Padded envelopes
- Paperback and hardback books
- Wallpaper
Metal Recycling
These metal items are great for recycling:
- Steel and aluminium cans and tins
- Steel and aluminium aerosol cans
- Aluminium foil
- Aluminium food trays
- Steel and aluminium jar and bottle lids
- Aluminium tubes
Plastic Recycling
Here’s what you can recycle when it comes to plastic:
- Plastic bottles made from PET, PP, and HDPE
- Pots, tubs, and trays made from PET, PE/PP plastic
- Cartons for food, drinks, and other liquids (aseptic and chilled cartons included)
- Plastic film packaging and bags made from mono-PE, mono-PP, and mixed polyolefins (from 31 March 2027)
Glass Recycling
You can recycle these glass items:
- Glass bottles
- Glass jars
Food Waste Recycling
Recycle all types of food waste, including:
- Food for you or your pets
- Biodegradable items like bones, eggshells, fruit and veggie peels, tea bags, and coffee grounds
Why Wait? Let’s Get Started!
Don’t wait until the deadlines are right around the corner. Get prepared now and avoid any last-minute stress or potential fines. For advice, support and a free, no obligation quote contact us today. Let us handle your waste, so you can focus on what you do best.
