In early May 2024, the then-Conservative government led by Rishi Sunak announced an updated timeline for the new Simpler Recycling reform, which will affect most businesses in England.
The idea is to implement a more efficient and straightforward approach to recycling, with an aim for every business in the country to abide by this new reform by 31st March 2027.
When does Simpler Recycling apply to small businesses?
There is a caveat to this, however, with Simpler Recycling being implemented in three yearly deadlines, affecting certain businesses at different times.
It will all start on 31st March 2025, when businesses with 10 or more full-time employees and non-domestic premises (schools, hospitals…) will have to recycle all recyclable materials.
This means glass, metal, paper, cardboard, plastic and food waste (but not garden waste and plastic film) will all need to be collected and triaged accordingly.
Are small businesses ready for Simpler Recycling?
However, it appears that not everyone is aware of this, with a recent survey by waste management service provider First Mile revealing that more than 75% of small businesses (10-49 full-time employees) in the United Kingdom have yet to start preparing for the upcoming reform.
Using a representative sample of 250 UK businesses, the company discovered that just 24.5% have made some sort of change as of July 2024, meaning that more than three-quarter are not ready.
What do experts have to say?
Bruce Bratley PhD, CEO and founder of First Mile, said: “The fact that so many small businesses have yet to start planning for the Simpler Recycling reform is quite alarming. If they do not do so in time, they could face potential penalties, although the government is yet to reveal what these will be.
“It’s the business’ duty to conduct a waste audit to assess the type of waste they regularly produce and ensure they dispose of it in an appropriate manner.
“Businesses in the food industry will also need to be extra careful, as they’ll need to ensure both they and their customers place their food waste in appropriate bins, since this will no longer be allowed to be bagged together with general waste.
“One way to ensure this is done effectively is to seek the help of a waste management specialist, who will conduct a fully tailored audit and analysis of your business’ waste streams.
“A good waste management company will also provide support on implementation as well as engagement tools and resources to support your business and its employees alongside state-of-the-art data and waste tracking.
“If you wish to switch waste management suppliers, be sure to end your current contract with enough notice ahead of 31st March 2025 in order to give your new waste supplier enough time to plan for your needs.”
What about micro-businesses and Simpler Recycling?
These rules will then apply to local authorities by 31st March 2026, who will be asked to collect the six recyclable waste streams (excluding plastic film) from all households, as well as a weekly food waste.
The deadline is different for micro-businesses, who are given more time and will need to recycle all recyclable waste streams (barring garden waste) by 31st March 2027. This is also when plastic film collections from all households, businesses and non-domestic premises will start.
So, what does this mean for you and your business?
Your legal requirement will be to arrange collections and recycling of the six main waste streams (food waste, glass, cardboard, paper, plastic and metal).
The good news is that the new regulations will not require you to have a separate bin for each waste stream, as one dry mixed recycling bin will allow you to combine cardboard, plastic, metal and paper.
The critical update, likely to impact the retail industry more than others, is that putting food waste in general waste will be strictly prohibited, meaning businesses will need to ensure they put in place separate food waste collections regardless of how much is produced.
What should businesses do to comply with Simpler Recycling?
Therefore, it is recommended that certain steps are planned for in advance, such as putting together clear waste management rules within your workplace, including appropriate guidelines, signage and coordination with a waste management service.
Regular waste audits should also be conducted to identify areas to improve, and it would be beneficial to educate employees about best recycling practices.
