New recycling policy impacts 300,000 businesses 

In the past year, searches on Google for ‘new business recycling legislation’ have increased by 148 per cent. This coincides with the ‘Simpler Recycling’ legislation, which came into force in England on 31 March, and mandates businesses with 10 or more employees to sort waste into six distinct recycling bins.

Businesses are seeking information regarding the new legislation, and Google searches for ‘Simpler Recycling legislation’ have risen by 1,614 per cent year-on-year.

Commercial waste experts at Direct365 have provided five tops tips for businesses regarding the new legislation:

1. Check whether your business is affected: Businesses with 10 or more full-time employees, whether operating at a single location or multiple sites, will now need to comply with the new recycling policy. All other businesses will be expected to meet these requirements by 2027.

2. Invest in colour coded bins for each required material: Ensure that there are adequate facilities for separating recyclable materials from other waste streams. Clearly labeled bins and designated recycling areas can help improve segregation.

3. Educate your team: Educate employees about the new recycling policies and the importance of compliance. Conduct training sessions to help staff understand changes in recycling procedures and how they can contribute.

4. Collaborate with waste management providers: Evaluate current waste management contracts and services to ensure that they align with the new policies. Work with waste management providers who offer services that comply with the updated regulations.

5. Develop a recycling policy: Establish clear recycling targets based on the new regulations. Monitor progress regularly to ensure that your business is on track to meet these goals.

Businesses risk being fined for non-compliance

Until the 31 March, businesses were not required by any specific law to recycle waste in a specific way. However, they are required under the Environmental Protection Act 1990 to have a “duty of care” to manage waste responsibility. However, if a business is caught breaching the Simpler Recycling policy, they could face a fine or other penalty, as well as damage their reputation.

The goal of Simpler Recycling is to increase the amount of recycled material used in products businesses purchase and to ensure that high-quality recycled materials can be sourced domestically within the UK. This initiative aims to enhance the circularity of packaging within the country. The new requirements are expected to significantly contribute to the national target of recycling 65 per cent of municipal waste by 2035.

What businesses will be affected by new recycling rules?

While the Simpler Recycling legislation does not affect all businesses in the UK at once, almost 291,000 businesses have been affected since 31 March 2025. This is because they have 10 or more employees.

The industries in the UK that will be most affected by the legislation in the first instance include: accommodation & food services, health, production, scientific & technical and business administration and support services.