Simpler Recycling

Simpler Recycling regulations are designed to make recycling easier and ensure core recycling collections are taking place throughout the country. The goal is to create a more sustainable and environmentally conscious society through improved recycling efforts.

Key features of Simpler Recycling include a nationwide approach to recycling and convenient collection systems. People across England will be able to recycle a wide range of products and materials at home, work or school in a nationwide approach aimed at providing a more convenient collection system.

To remain compliant with these regulations, you will need to ensure your home or workplace is properly equipped with dedicated Simpler Recycling bins and food waste bins. These bins are designed to separate waste streams, preventing cross-contamination and making recycling an easy process for everyone involved.

Need to ensure your workplace remains compliant? Consult our Simpler Recycling Guide for Businesses.

31 March 2025

All businesses and other non-household premises with ten or more employees now separate plastic, paper and card, glass, metals, and food waste from general waste.

31 March 2026

Local authorities now implement standardised core recycling collections, including weekly food waste collections for households across England.

31 March 2027

Micro-businesses and other non-household premises with fewer than 10 full-time employees will be required to comply with current business standards.

What Are the Benefits of Simpler Recycling?

Higher recycling rates mean less waste is going into landfill. This helps businesses achieve their sustainability goals.

Recycling for households and businesses has been simplified by introducing consistent recycling practices that are easy to follow.

Recycling collections are now standardised across the country, eliminating confusion and ensuring that everyone follows the same procedures.

Reducing landfill waste promotes the reuse and recycling of materials whilst lowering greenhouse gas emissions.

General waste expenses have been cut down by decreasing the amount of waste sent to landfill.

Food Waste

Food waste bins collect cooked and uncooked food, acting as a separate waste stream that needs to be collected weekly.

Dry, recyclable materials

Recycling bins for core, dry recyclable materials like glass, metal, and plastic keep them separate from general waste.

Paper and Card

Indoor recycling bins work best for essential recyclable materials, including items like newspapers, magazines, cardboard boxes, and office paper.

General Waste

General waste bins collect non-recyclable waste and should be kept separate to prevent contamination.

Supporting the Circular Economy

Simpler Recycling is an essential part of the government’s mission to move towards a zero-waste, circular economy. The reforms aim to:

Improve recycling rates, which have flatlined at around 44% to 45% since 2015.
Ensure that there is more recycled material in the products we buy.
Support more than £10 billion investment in the UK’s recycling capability over the next decade.
Reduce confusion, ending the ‘postcode lottery’ of bin collections.
Make recycling easier for people in England while maximising environmental benefits.

Staying compliant with Broxap

We have a wide range of indoor and outdoor waste bins that will ensure your organisation meets and complies with the Simpler Recycling legislation.

Browse our range of the UK’s toughest and most durable litter and recycling bins.

BX45G 2552-140FW

Food Waste Wheelie Bin Housing

From: £586.80 £489.00

BX45G 2900-60-T

Daventry Internal Recycling Bin - Triple

From: £POA £POA

BX45G 2550-QUAD

Derby Quad Recycling Bin

£1,138.80 £949.00

BX45G 2550

Derby Standard Litter Bin - 120 Litre

1 In Stock

From: £442.80 £369.00

BX45G 2550-VAPE-RC

Derby Vape Recycling Bin

£POA £POA

See our full range of food waste bins

Simpler Recycling FAQs

The Simpler Recycling legislation mandates the complete separation of food waste from general waste. This has already been enforced for larger businesses and non-household premises with 10 or more full-time employees and households, and will soon be implemented for micro-businesses (10 or fewer employees) in 2027.

The Defra Simpler Recycling scheme is a government initiative aimed at standardising recycling practices across England. It requires businesses and non-household premises with ten or more employees to separate recyclable materials, such as plastic, paper, card, glass, metals, and food waste, from general waste. This scheme is part of efforts to increase recycling rates and simplify waste management for local authorities.

Under the simpler collection plans in England, recyclable materials must be separated into four separate streams, including food waste, paper and card, dry recyclable materials (plastic, metal and glass), and residual waste, rather than being placed in a single bin. This approach aims to improve recycling rates and ensure proper waste management by local authorities, aligning with the new simpler recycling legislation.

DEFRA has set targets for the UK to achieve a recycling rate of 60% by 2030 and 65% by 2035 as part of the Government’s wider Resources and Waste Strategy. They expect simpler recycling to increase recycling rates from 42% to 52–60%, and this is reliant on businesses and consumers changing their behaviour by recycling more responsibly.

The Simpler Recycling legislation will apply to businesses with fewer than 10 full-time equivalent employees by 31st March 2027. The current rules applying to businesses now will also apply to these smaller firms.

Nearly all workplaces: offices, retail, hospitality, education, healthcare, construction sites, warehouses, event venues and more. Any organisation producing waste similar to household waste is in scope.

No, this is an England-only scheme. Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland run separate recycling schemes.

Weekly or fortnightly collection is recommended to limit pests and odour, and food waste shouldn't be stored for more than two weeks. It must be collected even if the workplace has no kitchen.

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