Biffa truck and bins at night

Simpler Recycling legislation in England

Discover how the new Simpler Recycling legislation will transform recycling in England by standardising the collection of waste materials and introducing separate food waste collections.

What is Simpler Recycling?

On 21 October 2023, the UK Government introduced the new Simpler Recycling legislation to reform waste collections and recycling across England. This new regulation aims to clear up confusion over recyclable and non-recyclable materials, standardise recycling practices for homes, workplaces, and schools, reduce landfill waste, and tackle illegal waste activities, promoting a more sustainable and environmentally conscious society.

 

What are the new recycling requirements?

Under the new Simpler Recycling legislation, businesses with 10 employees and more must separate dry recyclables into dedicated containers and ensure food waste is collected separately, regardless of the amount produced, starting from March 2025. Businesses with fewer than 10 employees have time until March 2027 to comply.

Local authorities will also be required to comply with the new Simpler Recycling reforms for waste collected from households from March 2026, providing more consistent recycling and waste collection services, including weekly food waste collections.

Standardised recycling materials
Separate food waste for collection
Separate dry mixed recyclables

Simpler Recycling timeline

By Autumn 2024 Government will issue finalised guidance on the detail of the requirements.

Non-Household Premises (Businesses, Hospitals, Schools):
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By 31 March 2025
Mandatory collections for dry recyclable materials (glass, paper, card, metals, plastics) and separate food waste
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By 31 March 2027
Inclusion of plastic film packaging and plastic bags in the plastic waste stream
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By 31 March 2027
Micro-businesses with fewer than 10 employees must recycle all specified waste streams
Household Premises:
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By 31 March 2026
Mandatory collections for dry recyclable materials (glass, paper, card, metals, plastics) and separate weekly food waste collections (which can be combined with garden waste)
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By 31 March 2027
Inclusion of plastic film packaging and plastic bags in the plastic waste stream
Front end loader disposing waste safely which can't be recycled
Landfill Tax & Simpler Recycling
Following the 2024 Spring Budget announcement, landfill tax rates in England will see a significant rise from April 2025. The standard rate will increase by over 20%, and the lower rate for inert waste will rise by 22.7%. The higher costs are intended to incentivise businesses and local authorities to reduce landfill use and invest in more sustainable waste management solutions. 

We will always try and avoid sending waste to landfill but for some treatment residues and residual waste, landfill may be the only available option. By standardising recycling practices and introducing separate collections for food and dry recyclables, the new Simpler Recycling legislation can support businesses and local authorities to more easily divert waste from landfills  reducing the volume of waste that incurs the higher landfill tax rates.