What is the new recycling legislation?

The new legislation requires businesses to recycle their waste and ensure the waste is separated, including food waste, paper & card and other mixed recycling. This needs to be done on site prior to waste collection.

Why is it changing?

This new legislation marks a significant step in the UK’s commitment to support a transition towards a more sustainable circular economy.

Who needs to comply?

All UK workplaces with 10 or more employees.

If not, what happens?

Failure to comply with the new legislation could lead to considerable fines and penalties.

When is the deadline date?

The deadline date for compliance with the new legislation is 31st March 2025.

What must you do to comply?

Businesses must ensure they offer multiple streams to separate and dispose of their waste - this includes healthcare facilities and the education sector. Take a look at our guidelines that will help you prepare for compliance.

Key points:

• Businesses must have a minimum of 4 waste streams: Food waste, paper & cardboard, mixed recycling and general waste
• Businesses will be responsible for the separation and disposal of waste on their premises
• The separated waste will stay separated after collection to prevent contamination and ensure most of the waste can be recycled
• If waste is separated as soon as it is disposed of, there is less time needed to separate the waste afterwards, ready for collection

What needs to be separated?

DRY RECYCLABLES

Glass, eg. food jars and drinks bottles.

Metal, eg. food tins and drinks cans.

Plastic, eg. food containers and drinks bottles.

FOOD WASTE

Leftovers, uneaten food, waste from food preparation, out-of-date food and mouldy food.

PAPER & CARD

Paper, eg. documents and newspapers.

Cardboard, eg. boxes and packaging.

GENERAL WASTE

Non-recyclable materials discarded as waste for landfill or incineration.

It's time to act. Discuss your recycling requirements with our Sales Team on 01904 787834.