In England, as part of the ‘Simpler Recycling’ initiative which stems from the Environment Act 2021, all businesses and non-domestic premises — effective from 2025 — are required to separate their waste into four waste streams:
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food waste
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paper and card
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mixed recyclables (plastic, metal, glass)
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non-recyclables
Deadlines for Compliance
Micro-firms with fewer than 10 full-time equivalent employees are required to comply by 31st March 2027.
Who Is Affected?
The legislation applies to all businesses, public sectors, and charities — including offices, warehouses, construction sites, supermarkets, theatres, zoos, charity shops, places of education, and outdoor events.
Businesses should provide workers, visitors, and contractors with clear guidance on what can and cannot be recycled in each bin.
Why the Change?
The aim is to create consistency for all local authorities by adopting the same recycling system. Starting 31st March 2027, kerbside plastic film collections will also be introduced for businesses and households.
Legal Duty for Waste Collectors
Waste collectors have a legal duty to ensure compliance with the legislation and that waste is appropriately separated.
Environmental Benefits
This initiative aims to increase recycling rates and reduce the volume of waste sent to landfills and incinerators. These changes are expected to deliver greenhouse gas emission savings.
The Government publication on this legal change can be accessed here.
