Get ready for more streamlined, efficient and cost-effective recycling under the new government rules. 

The simpler recycling legislation will come into effect on the 31st of March 2025. The government actually announced these waste disposal regulations back in 2023, which gave us plenty of time to prepare. 

However, if you’re still not sure what the simpler recycling reform will mean for your business, then read on. 

What are the current challenges?

Currently, commercial waste management is a little unclear. The upcoming regulations will simplify commercial recycling and make compliance far easier by establishing clear separate bins for each type of waste. The government hopes this will reduce the confusion over which materials can be recycled. 

The new legislation also aims to increase the current UK recycling rates, something we all need to work towards if we are to meet the pressing challenges of climate change and ongoing sustainability goals. 

When will simpler recycling be introduced? 

For businesses with 10 employees or more, the date of compliance will be the 31st of March 2025. For micro-businesses smaller than this, the date of compliance will be two years later on the 31st of March 2027. 

What is the simpler recycling policy? 

Simpler recycling refers directly to the upcoming regulations. It outlines that: 

• All businesses with more than 10 full-time employees must comply, no matter how small your waste output is
• General waste, food waste and dry recyclable materials must each be separated from each other
• Collection bins will be separated into the following categories: 
  • General waste for everything that cannot be recycled 
  • Food waste including tea bags and vegetable skins
  • Dry mixed recycling including paper, card, glass, metal and plastics
  • Paper and card if you have not completed the relevant assessment for this to be included in the dry mixed recycling bin

By separating food waste from the rest and making its recycling compulsory, this will reduce the amount sent to landfill. 

The business benefits of simpler recycling

Your business will benefit from simpler recycling. Here’s how: 

• Recycling will be simplified and standardised 
• Compliance will be much easier 
• You can save money by reducing your landfill waste disposal fees 
• The green credentials and brand image of your business will improve as your recycling rates increase
• You will strengthen your commitment to sustainability and lowering your environmental impact

Now you’ve seen why it’s good for you, let’s examine how you go about complying. 

How to get ready for simpler recycling 

So that you meet this new legislation, you will need to review your waste management and collection strategy to ensure you’re completely compliant. One element you will need to arrange is a reliable food waste collection service. 

Here at Bio Collectors, we collect your food on a schedule that suits you. We then transform your food waste into energy that powers homes and businesses throughout the country. Any remaining food is turned into digestate for fields to grow more food, creating a truly closed-loop process. 

Do you need reliable and eco-friendly food collection in London and beyond?
Get in touch with Bio Collectors who are powering communities across the UK with the waste we collect. Using our fleet of bio vehicles, we’ll help you stay compliant.