Recycling Reform
In May 2024, the Government announced an updated timeline for the new Simpler Recycling reform which will likely affect your business if you are based in England. The idea is to implement a more efficient and straightforward approach to recycling, with an aim for every business in the country to abide by this new reform by 31st March 2027.
The scheme is designed to simplify the recycling system so people will be able to recycle the same materials whether they are at home or in the workplace. Standardising waste collections will help to eliminate confusion over what can be recycled, with the aim of improving recycling rates and protecting the environment.
The scheme will start on 31st March 2025 and means that glass, metal, paper, cardboard, and plastic will all need to be collected and triaged accordingly. In addition to dry recycling, if a business generates food waste, no matter how small the quantity, this will also need to be separated for collection.
Please make note of these key deadlines to ensure you have implemented these changes:
31st March 2025
Businesses, schools and hospitals (except micro-firms) will be required to recycle all recyclable waste streams: metal, glass, plastic, paper and food waste (excluding garden waste and plastic film.)
31st March 2027
Micro-firms (businesses and non-domestic premises with less than 10 full-time equivalent employees) will be required to recycle all recyclable waste streams (excluding garden waste). Plastic film collections from all households, businesses and non-domestic premises will also begin.
A recent survey by waste management service provider First Mile revealed that more than 75% of small businesses (10-49 full-time employees) have yet to start preparing for the upcoming reform. The survey of 250 businesses discovered that just 24.5% have made some sort of change as of July 2024, meaning that more than three-quarters are either not aware of the reform or have not taken any steps to be prepared for it.
The Government has not yet announced what penalties there will be if you do not comply with the Simpler Recycling reform but it is your business duty to conduct a waste audit and to ensure that you are disposing of it in an appropriate manner.
Source: microbizmag.co.uk / suez.co.uk
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