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Simpler Recycling


New Recycling Rules for UK Businesses
Deadline 31st March 2025!

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What is Simpler Recycling?

Simpler Recycling, introduced in 2023 by the Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (Defra), aims to simplify bin day by eliminating the confusion around what can and cannot be recycled.


By 31st March 2025, all businesses and eligible non-domestic premises with 10 or more full-time employees will be required to separate plastic, paper and card, glass, metals (such as cans, tins, and foil), and food waste from general waste.


This initiative is designed to conserve valuable resources, reduce landfill waste, and support the UK’s transition to a circular economy.

Four recycling bins are lined up in a row.
A recycling symbol is surrounded by bottles , cans , paper and glass.

What's Changing

Under Simpler Recycling, by 31 March 2025, all businesses in England (except micro-firms) must arrange for separate collection of the following core recyclable waste streams:

  • Food
  • Glass
  • Plastic
  • Paper & Card
  • Small Metals such as tins and cans


The key point is that these core materials should no longer be lumped together with general (non-recyclable) waste, so that they can be effectively recycled. 


Who Needs to Comply?

Simpler Recycling will impact everyone in England, but the timelines differ for businesses, non-domestic premises and households.


Businesses: Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs): Businesses with 10 or more full-time equivalent employees.


Micro-Firms: Businesses with fewer than 10 full-time equivalent employees.

Non-Domestic Premises: Includes hospitals, schools, universities, residential and nursing homes, and Schedule 2 sites such as places of worship, penal institutions, charity shops, residential hostels, and public meeting spaces.


Households: All properties (houses, flats, flats above shops, etc.)


A person is putting a plastic bottle into a recycling bin.

What does this mean for your business?

The new Simpler Recycling legislation is designed to make sustainability easier for businesses like yours. It introduces clear, streamlined requirements to help your business:


  • Comply with new recycling standards – ensuring you meet legal obligations without the guesswork.



  • Reduce waste – and improve your environmental impact, one step at a time.


  • Save money in the long run – by adopting more efficient waste management practices.





Materials list of items in the scope:

  • Plastic

    • Plastic bottles made of polyethylene terephthalate (PET, including amorphous, recycled PET), polypropylene (PP) and high-density polyethylene (HDPE)
    • Pots, tubs and trays made of PET PE/PP plastic tubes larger than 50mm x 50mm
    • Cartons for food, drink and other liquids, including aseptic and chilled cartons
    • Plastic film packaging and plastic bags made of mono-polyethylene (mono-PE), mono-polypropylene (mono-PP) and mixed polyolefins PE and PP (from 31 March 2027)

  • Glass

    Glass packaging including bottles and jars

  • Metal

    • Steel and aluminium tins and cans
    • Steel and aluminium aerosols
    • Aluminium foil
    • Aluminium food tray
    • Steel and aluminium jars and bottle lids
    • Aluminium tubes

  • Paper & Card

    • Paper and card that contains glitter or foil
    • Paper that is laminated
    • Stickers and sticky paper
    • Padded lined envelopes
    • Paperback and hardback books
    • Wallpaper

  • Food

    All food intended for human or household pet consumption


    Biodegradable material from the processing or preparation of food, including inedible food parts such as bones, eggshells, fruit and vegetable skins, tea bags, and coffee grounds

  • Garden

    All organic material from the garden EXCEPT for the following which CANNOT be placed in a household garden waste recycling bin:


    • Ash, 
    • Full-sized trees, 
    • Invasive weeds 
    • Species, soil, 
    • Turf cuttings, 
    • Waste products of animal origin

Key Dates

By 31st 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.

By 31st March 2026

Local Authorities will be required to collect all six recyclable waste streams (excluding plastic film) from all households. Additionally, they must provide a weekly collection service for food waste.

By 31st March 2027

Micro-firms, defined as businesses with fewer than 10 full-time equivalent employees, will be required to comply with the new recycling regulations, pending final confirmation from Defra.

How Can We Help?

At Materials Recovery Ltd, we're here to support you through these changes, we offer:


Staff Training on new recycling protocols.

Waste Audits to reduce waste.

Compliance Guidance to meet the new regulations.

Tailored Recycling Plans for your business.

Get Prepared Today!

We have solutions for your business contact us on 01902 539900 or complete the form below.

Simpler Recycling