New recycling legislation set to simplify recycling in England
At a glance
With the introduction of Simpler Recycling legislation for England in March 2025, the UK Government is stepping up efforts to standardise recycling processes and increase the recovery of valuable resources from homes and businesses.
This is a key step to reducing the strain on natural resources by increasing the quality and volume of recyclable materials, allowing more materials to be processed back into packaging and products. This benefits the circular economy whilst helping consumers play their part in the transition to net zero.
Overview of Simpler Recycling legislation
Recycling rates across the UK have stagnated at around 45 per cent in the last few years. One of the challenges in meeting the 65 per cent target for households has been the lack of consistency in messaging and waste-collection systems across different local authorities and between household and commercial waste services.
Simpler Recycling aims to simplify recycling for businesses and households, eliminating confusion about what can and can’t be recycled. The goal is to create a system where materials can be recycled in the same way across homes, workplaces, institutions and public spaces throughout England.
The introduction of legislation in England follows similar schemes in Wales (2024) and Scotland (2014).
Implementation timeline
Simpler Recycling legislation was introduced in 2023 and is being rolled out in phases. Initially applicable to businesses in England with more than 10 employees, from 31st March 2025, the legislation requires businesses, schools, hospitals and other non-household municipal premises to separate dry recycling from general waste collection. They will also be required to separate food waste, no matter how small the quantity they generate.
From 31st March 2026, the legislation will be rolled out to local authorities, who will need to collect core recyclable waste streams from all households in England. This will include weekly food waste collections for most homes.
Further changes will follow in 2027, with smaller firms (fewer than 10 employees) being included. The collection of plastic films from businesses and households will also be introduced.
Who is impacted from 31st March 2025?
Any business or workplace that generates waste similar in composition to domestic household waste must implement the rules across their operations. This includes all relevant non-domestic premises, such as the following:
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Offices
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Retailers and wholesalers
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Transport and storage
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Hospitality, such as cafés, pubs, restaurants, and hotels
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Places of education, such as schools, colleges, and universities
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Healthcare places, such as GP surgeries and hospitals
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Care homes
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Charities and those registered as charities
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Places of worship
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Premises used only or mainly for public meetings
This is not a complete list, and there are others; a detailed list is included in the legislation.
How to comply with the changes
From 31st March 2025, all places of work in England that fall under the legislation have a legal duty to present the following separated waste streams:
How GHD can help
For organisations adapting to the new system, understanding the requirements and implementing changes can be complex. A structured approach will help integrate the new processes effectively. Key areas of focus include the following:
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Understanding legal obligations and collection requirements
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Developing a waste and resource management strategy
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Implementing processes for material recovery and recycling
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Exploring circular-economy initiatives and sustainable packaging design
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Engaging with stakeholders, suppliers and consumers to drive awareness
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Conducting waste mapping and lifecycle assessments to support informed decision-making
Simpler Recycling is part of a broader shift in waste and resource management, requiring all of us to reduce the amount of waste we produce and improve the way that waste is managed. The transition to a simpler, more effective recycling system is crucial to achieving net zero and fostering a circular economy. By preparing early, businesses and local authorities can adapt to changes efficiently whilst supporting long-term sustainability goals.
For further insights into the evolving waste and resource management sector, please speak to our specialists about best practices, policy updates, and sustainable strategies.
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