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Get Ready for Simpler Recycling: Key Changes Coming in 2025

Saturday, 8th March 2025

The new recycling law in England comes into effect on 31st March 2025. This initiative is known as "Simpler Recycling" and is designed to standardize waste collection, reduce contamination going to landfills and enhance recycling rates. By streamlining the process, the law aims to make recycling easier and more efficient for businesses and households alike. It also aligns England’s practices with those of other UK nations, ensuring a more consistent approach to waste management across the country.

At MCCS Cleaning, we understand that adapting to new legislation can be a challenge. That’s why we’ve put together this article to guide you through the upcoming changes.

What Does the New Legislation Mean for Your Business?

Under the Simpler Recycling regulations, businesses will be required to separate waste into specific categories, which include:

Dry Recyclable Materials: This includes glass (bottles and jars), metal (cans and tins), plastic (bottles and containers) and paper and cardboard (newspapers and packaging).

Food Waste: Any food scraps or leftovers must be collected separately.

Residual Waste (Black Bin Waste): Waste that cannot be recycled should be disposed of in designated black bins.

For businesses with 10 or more full-time equivalent employees, these rules will apply from 31st March 2025. Micro-firms or smaller businesses with fewer than 10 employees will have a bit more time, until 31st March 2027, to comply.

Why this Legislation Matters?

The primary goals of the Simpler Recycling legislation are to simplify recycling practices, increase recycling rates and reduce waste sent to landfill. The initiative will help businesses streamline waste disposal and contribute to reducing waste crime, which costs the UK economy over £1 billion annually, according to National Waste Crime Survey that was conducted in 2023.

How to Prepare for the Upcoming Recycling Changes?

To ensure compliance with the new regulations, businesses should:

Review Current Waste Practices: Assess existing waste management systems to identify areas that require modification to meet the new standards. Look for opportunities to improve compliance with the new rules. You may need to add new separate bins for recyclables, food waste or residual waste, or simply label existing bins and provide easy-to-follow signage.

Engage with Waste Collectors: Discuss with waste management providers to arrange for the collection of the specified waste streams and ensure that collection methods align with the new requirements.

Educate Employees: Provide training to help your team understand the new waste segregation practices and the importance of proper recycling.

Monitor and Adapt: Regularly evaluate your waste management processes and make necessary adjustments to improve its efficiency and compliance.

The Benefits of Compliance

Adhering to the Simpler Recycling legislation offers several advantages but also prevents your business from facing fines:

Cost Savings: By segregating your waste properly, you can reduce your overall waste disposal costs. Recycling is often cheaper than sending waste to landfill and businesses can save money on waste management services.

Enhanced Reputation: Demonstrating a commitment to environmental sustainability can improve a company's public image.

Operational Efficiency: Streamlined waste management practices make your business more efficient and organized. Proper waste segregation leads to a cleaner environment and can even boost employee morale.

Legal Compliance: Avoiding penalties associated with non-compliance ensures that your business operates within legal frameworks.

The clock’s ticking! Let’s work together to turn those recycling rules into a walk in the park. At MCCS Cleaning, we make sure your business stays spotless while also staying compliant with the latest legislation. As your trusted commercial cleaning partner, we will handle the cleaning while you focus on your business. Our team is trained and committed to supporting your efforts in meeting the new recycling standards, so you can enjoy a clean, compliant and eco-friendly workplace. Contact us and find out how we can make a difference for your business!