Simpler Recycling: what do businesses need to know?

The Simpler Recycling scheme is a new government initiative that aims to establish a more consistent and efficient waste management system across the country.

With new regulations set to take effect on March 31st 2025, businesses of all sizes will need to adapt to ensure they meet the updated requirements.

In this blog post, we will explore what Simpler Recycling is, the key changes for businesses, its benefits, and how Riverdale Recycling can help you navigate the transition.

What is Simpler Recycling?

Simpler Recycling has been designed to standardise waste collection services across England, making recycling easier for both households and businesses.

Currently, recycling rules vary across the UK, with some councils accepting certain materials that others do not. This inconsistency creates confusion about what can and cannot be recycled, making it harder to educate the public and leading to higher levels of contamination in recycling streams.

The Simpler Recycling policy aims to eliminate discrepancies in recycling practices by introducing nationwide rules for recycling that all councils must follow, reducing confusion and contributing to a more sustainable waste management system.

The initiative is driven by the Environment Act 2021, which sets out the legal framework for improving waste collection and recycling services.

Key changes for businesses

The new regulations will require businesses to adjust how they sort, store, and dispose of waste. Here are four key changes businesses will face:

1. Waste separation will be mandatory

Businesses will be required to separate specific materials for recycling, rather than disposing of mixed waste.

The key materials that must be sorted include:

Paper & card: Includes newspapers, office paper, cardboard packaging, and magazines.
Glass: Such as glass bottles, jars, and other glass packaging.
Plastic: Covers plastic bottles, tubs, trays, and containers.
Metal: Includes aluminium cans, food tins, and other recyclable metal items.
Food waste: Businesses that generate food waste, such as restaurants, cafes, and offices with kitchens, must ensure that it is collected separately.

2. Changes to collection services

Local authorities and waste contractors will adjust collection services to accommodate separate waste streams.

Some businesses may need to set up additional bins or arrange new waste collection agreements to comply with the changes.

The frequency of bin collection may vary depending on the type of waste being disposed of. For example, food waste will be collected more frequently than dry recyclables to avoid odours and contamination.

3. Business will need to review their waste management processes

To comply with the new Simpler Recycling regulations, businesses must review their current waste management processes and make any necessary changes to meet the updated requirements. This will include evaluating current disposal methods and updating signage and storage solutions to ensure compliance.

Employee training will be critical to preventing contamination and increasing recycling efficiency. Employers will need to provide clear guidelines for strict waste separation to avoid non-compliance.

The role of local authorities and waste service providers

Local authorities and waste service providers will play critical roles in helping businesses transition to the new waste management system.

This will include establishing clear guidelines for how businesses should separate waste and supporting businesses with education and resources to improve recycling rates.

Businesses should communicate with their waste service providers early on to understand any changes and ensure a smooth transition to the new system.

Regulatory compliance

As this is a government scheme, businesses will be legally required to ensure they meet the new waste management standards set out in the Simpler Recycling scheme.

Failure to comply with these regulations may result in fines, investigations from environmental authorities, and irreversible damage to a business’s reputation.

Non-compliant businesses may also face higher disposal costs if waste is rejected or classified as general waste rather than recyclable material.

While the scheme is national, enforcement may vary slightly between local authorities. This could mean different levels of enforcement or specific interpretations of the rules. Businesses should engage with their local council for precise guidance.

It’s also worth noting that businesses with fewer than 10 employees have an additional two years (until March 31st, 2027) to comply with the new regulations.

Benefits of the Simpler Recycling initiative for businesses

The Simpler Recycling scheme will have several major benefits for businesses across the UK. This includes:

Cost savings: reducing general waste disposal fees

Separating recyclables reduces waste sent to landfills, which can significantly reduce disposal costs.

With landfill tax and general waste collection fees on the rise, the Simpler Recycling scheme will help businesses proactively implement effective recycling systems that will reduce their waste management costs over time.

Sustainability: enhancing corporate environmental responsibility

Consumers and clients are increasingly favouring companies with strong sustainability commitments.

Companies that embrace Simpler Recycling can demonstrate a proactive approach to reducing waste, lowering carbon footprints, and supporting environmental goals, all of which can improve brand reputation and attract eco-conscious customers.

Increased recycling rates: contributing to the circular economy

Businesses can play a vital role in increasing recycling rates and reducing reliance on raw materials by separating materials like paper, glass, plastics, metals, and food waste.

This transition to a circular economy helps conserve resources, reduces pollution, and promotes a more sustainable waste management system in the future.

Common concerns businesses may have and how to solve them

Many business owners are concerned about the negative impact that the Simpler Recycling scheme could have on their business. We have highlighted some common concerns and provided solutions below.

1. Storage space

One of the most pressing concerns for businesses, particularly those operating in smaller spaces, is finding space for additional bins.

With the requirements for waste to be separated into distinct categories, businesses may need to reconfigure storage areas to accommodate multiple waste containers.

If your business has limited space, here are ways you could manage your waste efficiently:

Introduce compact or stackable bin systems to maximise storage without taking up valuable floor space.
Rearrange existing waste disposal areas to accommodate multiple recycling streams in an organised and accessible manner.
Work with waste providers to explore alternative collection schedules, reducing the need for large on-site waste storage.

2. Collection logistics

With the introduction of separate waste streams, businesses must consider how changes to waste collection logistics could impact their operations.

Adjustments to collection schedules, storage requirements, and service availability may present challenges that require careful planning.

To stay ahead of these challenges, businesses can:

Review collection schedules to ensure they are in line with business needs and cause the least amount of disruption. Businesses should evaluate how new waste collection schedules align with their operating hours and storage capacity.
Prepare for potential collection service delays or changes as local governments and waste contractors implement the new system. This may include looking for temporary storage solutions or alternative disposal methods.

3. Cost implications

While Simpler Recycling aims to make waste management more efficient and cost-effective in the long run, businesses may face some initial costs as they adapt to the new requirements.

These costs could include purchasing additional bins to accommodate separated waste streams. Adjusting waste collection contracts, which may involve changes in fees based on waste volume and collection frequency.

Businesses can reduce these costs by:

Conducting a waste audit to help identify cost-saving opportunities.
Exploring partnerships with recycling services that offer cost-effective solutions.
Reviewing supplier packaging to reduce unnecessary waste at the source.

How Riverdale Recycling can help

A blue Riverdale Recycling branded truck.

At Riverdale Recycling, we understand the complexities of waste management and can provide tailored solutions to help businesses transition smoothly to the Simpler Recycling scheme.

With over 30 years of experience, our team of experts can ensure that your business not only complies with new regulations but also improve the efficiency of your waste management processes.

We can provide the following services to support the Simpler Recycling Initiative:

Comprehensive waste audits: Our team can provide free site audits to assess your current waste streams, identify opportunities to increase recycling rates and ensure compliance with the Simpler Recycling requirements.
Customised collection services: Using our diverse fleet of collection vehicles, we can provide flexible scheduling and container options tailored to your specific requirements, allowing for efficient segregation and collection of recyclable materials.
Material handling and processing: We handle a wide range of materials, including cardboard, paper, and various plastics (Rigid HDPE, Poly FILM, Rigid PET, EPS, and other polymers), meaning we can collect and process segregated recyclables efficiently while minimising environmental impact.