Simpler Recycling Overview
Separate Collections will be replaced by the Simpler Recycling reforms on 31 March 2025. Simpler Recycling will initially apply to workplaces in England with 10 or more full time equivalent employees and smaller workplaces from 31 March 2027.
Further information on Simpler Recycling and guidance for workplaces can be found on GOV.UK.
Workplaces will need to present their waste in accordance with the arrangements made by their waste collector. Most workplaces will require four containers for:
residual waste (non-recyclable)
food waste, this can be mixed with garden waste where appropriate
paper and card
all other dry recyclable materials, for example, plastic, metal and glass
The full list of materials can be found on GOV.UK.
Paper and card should be collected separately from plastic, metal, and glass unless the waste collector can show that this is not technically or economically practicable, or that there is no significant environmental benefit. They must provide a co-collection written assessment to prove this.
Further guidance on co-collection assessments can be found on GOV.UK.
Waste collectors can also choose whether to collect the other dry recyclable materials (plastic, metal, and glass) separately.
Who the Simpler Recycling reforms apply to
The regulations apply to:
producers of waste
collectors of waste
anyone involved in making arrangements for the collection of waste, for example, brokers, facilities management companies, landlords etc
Timescales for Simpler Recycling reforms
The table shows when the Simpler Recycling reforms will apply and to whom.
Who the regulations apply to Effective Date
Workplaces with 10 or more full time equivalent employees 31st March 2025
Micro-firms (workplaces with less than 10 full time equivalent employees) 31st March 2027
Plastic material will be added to the list of materials in scope 31st March 2027