New Mixed Recycling Regulations in effect

As of the 1st April 2025 all UK businesses with 10 or more employees regardless of location have faced new government recycling legislations. Businesses with under 10 employees do have until 31st March 2027 to comply. This is part of the UK’s efforts to reduce landfill waste and streamline waste management.

All businesses (Excluding Micro businesses) are legally required to separate their waste into 4 waste streams, this includes General Waste, Food Waste, Mixed recyclables & Cardboard (including paper). This measure aims to improve recycling efficiency and ensure more waste is diverted from landfill. The only exception is that mixed recycling and carboard can be co-collected when the waste disposal company deems it not of any benefit for it be be separated. This has to be following on from an in-depth internal TEEP ( Technically, environmentally and economically practicable) assessment.

What do businesses need to do?

Assess how waste is currently handled within your company and identify areas that require amendments to comply with the regulations.

Educate employees about waste separation to ensure compliance and promote environmental responsibility.

Speak to your waste disposal company to gain guidance and organise additional bins where necessary to ensure compliance.

Why is this necessary?

This is part of the governments push towards “Simpler Recycling” for businesses and is a crucial part to combat climate change and reduce environmental impact. With these new legislations in force it is expected to significantly reduce the volume of waste sent to landfill. This will also in turn conserve natural resources, by recycling more efficiently and lower the UK’s carbon footprint. With this being rolled out in the whole country, it hopes to make it easier to understand and comply. This whole process is being introduced in 3 phases.

Phase 1 (1st April 2025) Includes segregation and separate collection of mixed recycling and food waste for businesses and non-household premises with more than 10 full time employees.

Phase 2 (1st April 2026) includes segregation and separate collection of mixed recycling and food waste (weekly) for householders.

Phase 3 (1st April 2027) includes segregation and separate collection of mixed recycling and food waste for all businesses and premises. It is also expected that plastic films will need to be collected separately for all businesses and households.

Businesses have a legal duty to separate waste in line with simpler recycling. The waste disposal company then has a legal obligation to make sure any separately collected dry recyclables are sent for recycling. The Environment Agency will be issuing compliance notices to anyone who isn’t following these new legislations.

In conclusion, these new recycling regulations aim to simplify the process, making it easier for everyone to participate. With clearer guidelines and more consistent rules, recycling can become a more effective and accessible part of daily life. As these changes take effect, they have the potential to reduce waste and improve sustainability efforts in a way that benefits both communities and the environment.