What is Simpler Recycling
Simpler Recycling is new UK legislation designed to standardise recycling practices across England. It aims to make recycling easier and more consistent by requiring businesses and households to separate their waste into specific categories.
Who Does This Affect?
Households in England
Implementation: 31st March 2026
All households will benefit from improved, standardised recycling collections as local councils update their services.
Learn About Household ChangesBusinesses in England
Deadline: 31st March 2025
If your business has 10 or more full-time equivalent employees, you must comply with the new waste separation requirements.
Learn About Business RequirementsFrom March 2026, all households in England will benefit from improved recycling collections as waste collectors standardise their services.
All Properties Included
This applies to all households in England, including houses, flats, and communal properties. Communal on-site bins may be used for multi-unit dwellings.
Your Local Authority
Your waste collector (local authority) is responsible for implementing these changes. Check with your council for specific collection days and requirements.
What will be collected from households?
From March 31, 2026, your council must collect these waste streams separately:
Food Waste
Weekly & Free
All food scraps and leftovers
Tea bags & coffee grounds
Dairy products & eggs
Out-of-date food
Glass
Drinks bottles
Food jars (rinsed)
Glass containers
Not included: Drinking glasses, ceramics, Pyrex
Metal & Plastic
Metal: Cans, tins, foil, aerosols
Plastic: Bottles & containers (rinsed)
From March 2027: Plastic film & bags included
Paper & Card
Newspapers & magazines
Cardboard boxes
Paper packaging
Envelopes
Garden Waste Collection
Garden waste collection is optional and may be subject to a charge by your local authority. Check with your council for availability and pricing.
What items are NOT collected?
Household Items:
- Drinking glasses & ceramics
- Batteries (take to recycling points)
- Electrical items (WEEE recycling)
Packaging:
- Pet food pouches
- Compostable plastics
- Plant pots (some councils accept)
Other Items:
- Hygiene products
- Nappies
- Contaminated materials
Always check with your local council for specific guidance on what they collect.
For further advice and guidance, we're here to help
If you need any advice or guidance on the recycling solutions required to help you comply with the Simpler Recycling legislation, get in touch:
Products Specialist
To comply with this, businesses must separate and dispose of their waste, as outlined in the new legislation, to avoid potential fines.
Businesses in England
This legislation applies to businesses operating in England only. Scotland and Wales have already implemented their own similar waste management policies for businesses.
10+ Employees
If your business or organisation has 10 or more full time equivalent employees, then you need to be compliant by 31st March 2025.
How do businesses comply with the Simpler Recycling Legislation?
Businesses much separate their waste into these 3 categories:
Food Waste
All food intended for human or household pet consumption
Food leftovers and waste generated by preparing food
Tea bags and coffee grounds
Dairy products, eggs and eggshells
Out-of-date or mouldy food
Dry Mixed Recycling
Glass - such as drinks bottles and rinsed empty food jars
Metal - such as drinks cans and rinsed empty food tins, empty aerosols, aluminium foil, aluminium food trays and tubes
Plastic - such as rinsed empty food containers and bottles
Paper and Cardboard
General Waste
Anything that doesn't fall into the other categories
In general, anything that is contaminated and cannot be washed and dried
What are the consequences if businesses do not segregate and recycle their waste?
If you do not comply with these requirements by 31 March 2025, you are at risk of receiving a non-compliance notice from the Environment Agency.
It is an offence to fail to comply with a compliance notice and enforcement action may be taken against you which could lead to prosecution and/or fines.
