New Simpler Recycling rules on how workplaces in England sort their recycling and waste have now come into force.
From today (Monday 31 March), workplaces with 10 or more employees will need to arrange for the collection of:
- Dry recyclable materials – including plastic, metal, glass, and paper and card – unless their waste collector collects them together.
- Food waste
- Residual (non-recyclable) waste
Workplaces can decide on the size of their containers and the frequency of collections based on the volume of waste they produce.
The measures are part of the UK Government’s Simpler Recycling policy, formerly Consistency in Recycling, which it calls “integral” to its commitment to move to a circular economy.
The UK Government estimates Simpler Recycling in England will generate greenhouse gas emissions savings equivalent to £11.8 billion and increase recycling rates.
Circular Economy Minister Mary Creagh said simplifying the rules for workplaces will make recycling easier, deliver cost savings and stimulate growth.
“We are committed to ending the throwaway society, boosting recycling rates which have stalled for too long, and driving growth through the Government’s Plan for Change,” Creagh commented.
“We’ll continue to work hand-in-hand with businesses to deliver our reforms to drive up recycling rates and ensure there’s more recycled content in the products we buy.
Recycling changes coming in 2026
By 31 March 2026, local authorities will be required to collect the core recyclable waste streams from all households in England.
This includes introducing weekly food waste collections for most homes, unless their councils have a transitional arrangement in place, giving them a later start date in legislation.
These measures mean people in England will be able to recycle the same materials at home, work or school.
Kerbside plastic film collections from workplaces and households will also be introduced by 31 March 2027.
Steve Molyneux, deputy director of waste and resources regulation at the Environment Agency, called the implementation of Simpler Recycling a “pivotal moment”.
“We are committed to supporting businesses with their new duties. We will take a pragmatic approach to implementation and will work with stakeholders to support them in overcoming any difficulties they might face in relation to compliance.”
Workplaces with fewer than 10 employees have until 31 March 2027 to arrange for the recycling of the core recyclable waste streams.
The implementation of Simpler Recycling for workplaces follows Environment Secretary Steve Reed setting out a new circular economy plan on 27 March.
The Environment Secretary also confirmed the first five priority sectors that the independent Circular Economy Taskforce will focus on, which are textiles, transport, construction, agri-food, and chemicals and plastics.
