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Simpler Recycling

Simpler Recycling is a new set of regulations 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.

By 31 March 2025

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

By 31 March 2026

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

By 31 March 2027

Micro-businesses and other non-household premises with fewer than ten employees will have to be compliant (subject to legislative confirmation). 

Benefits of Simpler Recycling

  Improved recycling rates and less waste going into landfill – helping businesses achieve their sustainability goals.

  Simplify recycling for households and businesses by introducing consistent recycling practices that are easy to follow.

Standardise recycling collections across the country to eliminate confusion and ensure that everyone follows the same procedures.

Provide significant environmental benefit by reducing landfill waste and promoting the reuse and recycling of materials.

Cut down on general waste expenses by decreasing the amount sent to landfill.

 

Food Waste

Food waste needs to be collected separately from other waste streams and weekly collections will be introduced.

Dry, recyclable materials

The core, dry recyclable materials, including glass, metal, and plastic should be separated from general waste.

Paper and Card

Essential recyclable materials, including items such as newspapers, magazines, cardboard boxes, and office paper.

General Waste

All other non-recyclable waste should be kept separate to prevent contamination and collected in a waste bin.

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.

Simpler Recycling FAQs 

Something on your mind? We can help!

The simpler recycling legislation mandates that all businesses and non-household premises with ten or more full-time employees must separate recyclable materials including plastic, paper and card, glass, metals, and food waste from general waste by 31st March 2025. This requirement is part of a broader effort to ensure that local authorities standardise core recycling collections, including the introduction of weekly food waste collections for households in March 2026 and plastic film packaging in 2027 (subject to legislative confirmation).

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 by 31st March 2025. 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 percent by 2030 and 65 percent 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.