Simpler Recycling
Simpler Recycling legislation is transforming recycling in England by standardising waste collection and introducing separate streams for recyclable materials, reducing general waste and increasing recycling overall.
What is Simpler Recycling legislation?
Simpler Recycling legislation has been introduced in England to reform household and business waste and recycling collections.
It aims to increase recycling rates by:
Key dates and who it impacts:
What do I need to do to stay compliant?
Why choose Biffa for Simpler Recycling?
Simpler Recycling. Made simple by Biffa.
Simpler Recycling for businesses
Our Simpler Recycling commercial solutions help you stay compliant, minimise disruption, maximise recycling and save money long-term.
What is changing with Simpler Recycling?
For most businesses, the biggest change is that you can no longer use a general waste bin for all your waste. If you are currently disposing of any of the following recyclable materials in general waste, then you need to separate them out and arrange for a collection:
Metal
• Aluminium foil and food trays
• Steel and aluminium jars and bottle lids
• Aerosol cans
Plastic
• Pots, tubs and trays
• PE and PP plastic tubs larger than 50mm x 50mm
• Cartons for food, drink and other liquids
Paper and card
Food
• Tea bags
• Coffee grinds
• Peelings and off-cuts
• Unusable food waste
Glass
• Glass jars
What does it practically mean?
Businesses will need to have 3-4 separate bins for 3-4 different waste and recyclable streams.
General Waste
Dry Mixed Recycling
Food Waste
Glass
The Government has set out a policy statement on their approach to delivering Simpler Recycling in England, subject to spending review outcomes. Stay up to date on Simpler Recycling statutory guidance by visiting the official policy page.
Simpler Recycling FAQs
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What is the DEFRA Simpler Recycling legislation?Simpler Recycling is legislation in England that standardises waste collection and mandates the recycling of recyclable materials such as dry mixed recycling (DRM), food and glass, reducing general waste and increasing recycling overall. In practice, it is very similar to Workplace Recycling legislation in Wales.
Simpler Recycling:- Standardises and simplifies what is collected for recycling across England both at home and at work
- Reduces confusion about what can and cannot be recycled
- Removes recyclable material from general waste so it can be collected separately for recycling
- Reduced contamination in recycling bins
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What does Simpler Recycling legislation require?
Simpler Recycling legislation came into effect in England on 31st March 2025.
A staggered approach has seen businesses in England with 10 or more full-time equivalent employees need to be compliant since 31st March 2025.
From this date any businesses that meet that threshold, needs to separate their recycling waste from residual waste for collection.
As of 31st March 2026, standardised weekly recycling and food waste collections will be started from households. Finally, businesses with fewer than 10 employees will need to follow Simpler Recycling rules from the 31st March 2027.
Businesses should understand when they need to be compliant by and ensure they understand the regulations. Biffa are here to help by offering a free quote.
Our representatives can make recommendations on the bins that you will require for your different waste streams and how often they need to be collected if you’re unsure.
Businesses that fail to meet their obligations in time or don’t separate their waste run the risk of enforcement from the Environment Agency in the forms of fines or even prosecution.
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What materials need to be separated for Simpler Recycling?
You can find out about how waste materials need to be separated here.
When your business falls within the legislation, you will need separate containers for the recycling produced on your premises. If your business produces food and glass, you’ll need separate containers for these, but we can collect card, paper, metal and plastic in the same container - we’ll do the sorting at our end. Take advantage of Biffa's extensive infrastructure and get a free Simpler Recycling quote today.
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What is the target for Simpler Recycling?Recycling in England has stagnated at 44% over the last decade, and to help meet the UK Government’s 65% recycling target by 2035, Simpler Recycling has been created.
It intends to make it easier for businesses and households to recycle, removing confusion about what can and can’t be recycled, and separating it to be collected. By maximising the collection of recyclable materials, the amount of residual waste that goes to landfill can be reduced. -
What is ‘contamination’ in recycling?
If food waste and recyclable materials are not separated into the specified separate bins these bins are considered contaminated. Unfortunately, under Simpler Recycling legislation we won’t be able to accept contaminated bins which can lead to additional costs, as well as the risk of prosecution from the Environment Agency.
However, as experts in sustainable waste management, we’ll always work with you to identify where and when contamination is happening and provide guidance on how to avoid it.
This could include:- Segregating internal bins
- Keeping bins consistent in design and placement across sites
- Communicating changes to staff and customers
- Putting up clear signage
- Ensuring recyclable items are clean, dry and loose
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Why has Simpler Recycling been introduced?
It’s positive for the environment and helps achieve a circular economy. What’s more, it will save businesses of all sizes money in the long run.
A significant amount of recyclable material in England still ends up in general waste which contributes to climate change and costs businesses money. Especially as Landfill Tax will continue to increase.
For example, every tonne of food waste diverted from incineration or landfill saves 619 kg of CO2e compared to landfill disposal, which is a 98.6% saving of damaging emissions from entering the atmosphere.
That’s the equivalent of driving a car 1500 miles or charging 50,000 smartphones!
Workplace Recycling in Wales has been successfully running since April 2024 and Biffa has seen:- Food waste collection is up 40%
- General waste collection is down 10%
- Glass collections are up 33%
Biffa has supported thousands of Welsh businesses to source new bins, separate their waste, and remain compliant to avoid costly penalties. Let us handle your Simpler Recycling needs by contacting us today.
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Will Biffa offer support to businesses in adapting to Simpler Recycling?Yes, our experts are here to make sure you meet your Simpler Recycling obligations with the minimum impact on your business.
We can also provide signage, documentation and resources to educate your staff and help you avoid the risk of fines from contamination.
Finally, our monitoring and reporting can help larger organisations improve recycling rates and send even less general waste to landfill. For example, we can provide support to reconsider your supply chain to reduce waste or meet ESG and CSR goals.
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How are you educating customers about the changes?Existing Biffa customers will receive detailed, clear and accessible information from us about the upcoming changes. We can provide a range of documentation, guides, signage for your business, as well as undertake training sessions and workshops to educate staff.
In the meantime, our How to Guides for Waste Management provide a range of essential information.
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What changes should I expect in my recycling collection with Simpler Recycling?Biffa can work with you to minimise your impact through the bins you need and your collection timetable. Many Biffa customers may actually streamline their collections as we can collect Dry Mixed Recycling such as paper, metal, card and plastic in the same bin.
As long as your staff and customers prevent contamination by disposing of their waste in the correct bin, we can do the rest. -
Will Simpler Recycling make my business more sustainable?Whether a business is sustainable or not depends on many different factors, but Simpler Recycling certainly aims to reduce the amount of waste that ends up in landfill. By increasing your recycling rates and making other changes like updating supply chains, changing packaging or increasing efficiency, you can take a step in the right direction.
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Will Simpler Recycling cost more?In most cases, Simpler Recycling will cost less in the long run. Landfill taxes will continue to rise so reducing your amount of residual waste will have a positive financial impact. What’s more, by creating efficiencies, reducing packaging requirements or generally adopting better waste management practices, money can be saved in the long-term.
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How is Simpler Recycling being enforced?Simpler Recycling is enforced by the Environment Agency, fines for non-compliance can be imposed and repeat offences could eventually lead to prosecution.
It’s normal to worry about errors and non-compliance, but our experts are on hand to guide you through the process, we have guides and posters for the workplace to ensure maximum recycling and full compliance. -
What if my premises are very small or complex?
It’s not a problem, we offer varied collection schedules with a wide range of bin and container sizes to suit any business premises. We can also manage multiple waste streams and handle it all on your behalf. We have a range of bin, bag and container sizes to suit any business. Other options may be added to our bin size range.
- Recycling bins
- Waste bags
- Standard & large wheelie bins
- Open & closed skips
- Bulk carriers
- Front end loaders
Simpler Recycling doesn’t have to be daunting. We’re here to take the hassle out of your waste management. Don’t hesitate to contact us if you have any more questions regarding Simpler Recycling. Our experts are always here to help and provide a free quote.
If you're an existing customer, please log in to myBiffa to get in touch or if you're a new customer you can get a free quote and purchase a waste contract online.