New rules on how workplaces in England sort their recycling and waste have now come into force, ending confusion over what goes where and enabling consistent, more streamlined collections.
From Monday 31 March, workplaces with 10 or more employees will need to arrange for the collection of the following:
- dry recyclable materials– including plastic, metal, glass, and paper and card
- food waste
- residual (non-recyclable) waste
Workplaces will need to separate paper and card from the other dry recyclables unless their waste collector collects them together.
They will also have the freedom to decide on the size of containers and frequency of collections based on the volume of waste they produce.
As of 31st March, the Environment Agency has assumed responsibilities as the regulator for Simpler Recycling, meaning it is committed to supporting businesses – both waste producers and collectors – with their new duties.
Why It Matters for SMEs
For small and medium enterprises, this change is a great opportunity to:
- Cut down on waste costs
- Support sustainability goals
- Engage employees in eco-friendly practices
- Prepare for future environmental policies
Getting Ready is Simple:
- Speak to your waste management provider to update your services.
- Educate your team about the new separation system.
- Clearly label bins and recycling points in your workplace.
By taking these steps, your business not only stays compliant but also contributes to a cleaner, greener future.
Learn more and get guidance here: New Workplace Recycling Rules.
Photo by Richard Bell on Unsplash
