The New ‘Simpler Recycling’ Legislation and Everything You Need to Know.
Here is everything you need to know about the new ‘simpler recycling’ legislation that the UK Government announced on 21st October 2023. This new recycling legislation is to reform the waste system in terms of collections and accepted materials across England. It will help ‘simplify’ and clear up any confusion over both recyclable and non-recyclable materials; as well as standardising recycling practices for workplaces, homes, schools and landfill sites. Helping to tackle illegal waste activities, therefore promoting a sustainable practising society.
What should business owners be specifically aware of the simpler recycling legislation?
The new ‘Simpler Recycling’ legislation requires any business with 10 or more employees to crack down on their recycling. They must separate dry recyclables into dedicated bins and ensure that all food waste is segregated separately, regardless of the amount. This is due to come into play in March 2025 and by 31 March 2027, micro-firms (businesses with fewer than 10 full-time equivalent employees) must recycle all recyclable waste streams.
By the 31st of March 2025, your business must segregate the following materials into appropriate containers to enable the recycling of valuable resources. These are:
- Plastics
- Glass packaging, including bottles and jars.
- Metal (cans, tins, aerosols, ali food trays, metal jars and bottle lids)
- Cartons & tetra paks
- Paper and cardboard (No glitter, foil, laminate, stickers, lined envelopes, paperback or hardback books and wallpaper)
- Food waste
Defra is currently reviewing how these materials will be collected. They may decide that all plastics, glass, metals, cartons, tetrapaks, paper and cardboard can be co-mingled in one container, referred to as Dry Mixed Recycling (DMR). Or, paper and cardboard may be separated as ‘fibres’. In any outcome, food waste must be separated from recycling and general waste.
We would like to note that, although all of the above is being spoken about and we all need to be aware of the new legislation practices that could potentially come into play in March 2025, you may still be able to have DMR bins as DEFRA haven’t set anything in stone just yet…
We will continuously keep our customers up to date with any new information regarding the new Simpler Recycling legislation.
It is critical to partner with a dependable waste management company like Recycling Management. RML specialises in providing total waste management services that prioritise sustainability and adhere to these strict guidelines. We can help your business succeed to the best of its ability, get in touch today on 0121 328 5000 or email us sales@recman.com
Also check out: Money from your Scrap metal- Our top tips
