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