Simpler Recycling Legislation: What It Means For Your Business

Prepare early, stay compliant while actively contributing to a greener, more sustainable future with Lili Waste Services.

Dear Customer,

As part of the new UK regulations, from 31 March 2025, By 31st March 2025, all businesses and other non-household premises with 10 or more full-time employees must separate plastic, paper and card, glass, metals (cans, tins and foil) and food waste from general waste, saving valuable resources from going to waste and supporting the circular economy in the UK.

This applies to all businesses and non-household premises, such as schools and hospitals with 10 or more full-time employees, regardless of how many employees are on site at one time. For example, if your business has five locations with only two full-time employees based at each, you will still be required to implement the Simpler Recycling regulations. We’ll talk you through this below.

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What Your Business Must Do

By 31 March 2025 (or 31 March 2027 for micro-firms), you must separate the following waste categories:

• Dry Recyclable Materials: Plastic, metal, glass, paper, and card.
• Food Waste: Leftovers and any waste generated from food preparation.
• Residual Waste: Black bin waste (non-recyclable waste).

If your business generates garden waste, it must be recycled or composted, where this provides the best environmental outcome.

Waste Collection and Containers

You must separate dry recyclable waste, food waste and black bin waste from each other. 

Dry recyclable waste is: 

• glass – such as drinks bottles and rinsed empty food jars 
• metal – such as drinks cans and rinsed empty food tins, empty aerosols, aluminium foil, aluminium food trays and tubes 
• plastic – such as rinsed empty food containers and bottles 
• paper and cardboard – such as old newspapers, envelopes, delivery boxes and packaging 

Food waste is:  

• food leftovers  
• waste generated by preparing food (of any volume, including if the workplace does not serve food or have a canteen)  

Black bin waste or residual waste is:  

• highly contaminated materials like food packaging that cannot be washed
• absorbent hygiene products such as nappies 

Who is Affected?

These regulations apply to businesses that produce waste similar to household waste, including:

• Offices
• Retail and wholesale
• Hospitality (cafes, restaurants, hotels)
• Educational settings (schools, colleges, universities)
• Healthcare establishments (GP surgeries, hospitals)
• Care homes and charities
• Places of worship and others

If you’re uncertain about whether your business is affected, please contact us, and we can help clarify the requirements for you.

Your Responsibilities as a Business

You are legally required to ensure the correct separation of dry recyclables, food waste, and residual waste. If you work with us, we will assist you in setting up a waste management system that complies with the new rules.

If you’re working with a waste contractor or have a landlord who arranges waste collection, they are also responsible for ensuring compliance.

Micro-Firm Exemption (Until 31 March 2027)

Micro-firms (businesses with fewer than 10 full-time employees) have until 31 March 2027 to comply. When counting employees, part-time staff should be counted on a pro-rata basis. Please note that volunteers are not included in the employee count.

Consequences of Non-Compliance

Failure to comply with these new regulations could result in a compliance notice from the Environment Agency. Non-compliance may lead to penalties, so it’s essential that your waste is separated correctly from the outset.

Working with Lili Waste Services

We recommend discussing your waste collection needs with us as soon as possible. We can help you ensure your waste is sorted properly and collected as required.

As part of our commitment to keeping you compliant, we’ll work with you to set up the right services, ensuring all waste types are collected separately. If we’re unable to provide specific services, we will help you arrange for additional waste collectors.

Support and Resources for Your Business

Lili Waste Services is committed to supporting you through this transition. We encourage you to explore resources such as the WRAP Business Recycling Website, which offers helpful tools and advice to guide your business in meeting the new requirements. The website also includes a waste calculator to help estimate potential costs and improve your waste management efficiency.

Reporting Non-Compliance

From April 2025, the public will be able to report businesses that are not following the new waste separation rules. Lili Waste Services is here to help ensure that your business stays compliant and avoids any penalties.

Your Waste Recycling Guide

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.

Discover more about simpler workplace recycling in England https://www.gov.uk/guidance/simpler-recycling-workplace-recycling-in-england

If you’re unsure, complete our quick questionnaire to find out if the legislation applies to you.