What is Simpler Recycling?

Introduced by the Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (Defra), Simpler Recycling was brought in to help make bin day easier, by ending the confusion of what can and can't be recycled.

Who is affected by Simpler Recycling?

Everyone in England will be affected by Simpler Recycling but the timeline for businesses and households are different so please read on to find the dates you will need to be ready by.

By 31 March 2025:

All businesses and other non-household premises (with 10 or more full-time equivalent employees) must implement recycling practices for all recyclable waste streams.

What does this mean for your business?

Under the legislation, businesses and other non-household premises with 10 or more full-time equivalent employees must segregate their waste into three different bins - recycling, food waste and general waste.

The following materials must be placed into appropriate containers to enable the recycling of valuable resources. These are:

Plastic
Glass
Metal (cans, tins and foil)
Cartons and tetrapaks
Paper and cardboard
Food waste

We can help you conduct a waste audit to better understand how to improve your recycling rates whilst reducing your waste management costs. These will be tailored to you ensuring effective and compliant waste management solutions that best suit your business and the waste you produce.

Find out how we can help you

By 31 March 2026:

Local Authorities will be required to collect the six main recyclable wastes - plastic, glass, metals, cartons, paper/card, food waste, (excluding plastic film), from all households. Local authorities must collect food waste weekly.