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Simpler Recycling Regulations | Business Recycling Rules

Simpler Recycling Regulations: What Are the Rules?

Simpler Recycling regulations set out how businesses and workplaces in England need to separate recyclable waste, food waste and non-recyclable waste.

The workplace rules came into force on 31 March 2025, with qualifying micro-firms given until 31 March 2027 to comply.

If you are new to the changes, read our What is Simpler Recycling? guide first.

What Are the Simpler Recycling Rules for Businesses?

Businesses and other workplaces must separate their waste before collection.

The main waste streams are:

  • Dry recycling – plastic, metal, glass, paper and card
  • Food waste
  • Non-recyclable waste – also known as residual waste

The exact arrangement for dry recycling can depend on your waste collector, so businesses should check how materials need to be presented for collection.

Do Businesses Have to Separate Food Waste?

Yes. Food waste must be separated from dry recycling and non-recyclable waste.

This applies even if your workplace only produces a small amount of food waste. Offices without a canteen or commercial kitchen can still generate food waste from staff lunches, fruit, tea bags and coffee grounds.

Providing a dedicated food waste bin in kitchens, canteens and staff areas can make correct separation much easier.

Do the Regulations Cover Customer and Visitor Waste?

Yes. If your business provides bins for customers or visitors, this waste also needs to be appropriately separated before collection.

This is particularly relevant to shops, cafés, restaurants, leisure facilities, schools, offices and other premises with customer or public-facing areas.

Do Businesses Need Separate Recycling Bins?

You do not necessarily need an individual bin for every recyclable material. Your recycling setup will depend on your waste collector and how your recyclable materials are collected.

However, dry recycling, food waste and non-recyclable waste must be kept appropriately separated.

Using clearly labelled recycling bins or a multi-stream recycling station can make this easier for employees and visitors.

What About Paper and Card?

Paper and card generally need to be collected separately from plastic, metal and glass.

There are circumstances where a waste collector may collect these materials together if separate collection is not technically or economically practicable, or provides no significant environmental benefit. This requires the waste collector to complete a written co-collection assessment.

Businesses should therefore speak to their waste collector to confirm the correct arrangement for their premises.

Who Must Follow the Regulations?

The rules apply broadly to businesses, charities and public sector organisations in England, including offices, shops, schools, warehouses, hospitality businesses, healthcare settings and other workplaces.

Micro-firms with fewer than 10 full-time equivalent employees have until 31 March 2027 to comply.

For more practical information, read our Simpler Recycling for Businesses guide.

Enviroplex Bins

All in one unit to comply with simpler recycling regulations. Optional signage and waste aperature configurations
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RCY Recycling Bins

Smart, stylish and perfect for modern workplaces. Keep within the regulations while looking sharp with these bins.
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Box Recycling Bins

Box bins with interchangable lids to change the style/layout when you please.
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Meridian Envirobins

Smart and space efficent Meridian envirobins perfect for the small areas. Signage to show users where waste goes.
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Slim Cost Efficent Option

Slim Recycling Bins. Cost efficent option to comply with regulations. Stocked ready for despatch.
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All Simpler Recycling Bins

All units with interchangable waste streams to have you fully comply to these regulations.
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    Need help choosing the right recycling bins? If you’re preparing your workplace for Simpler Recycling and need advice on suitable bins, waste streams or recycling stations, contact our team and we’ll be happy to help.

    Official guidance: The information in this article is based on the latest UK Government guidance for Simpler Recycling and workplace recycling requirements in England. For the most up-to-date information, visit the official GOV.UK Simpler Recycling guidance -Infortmation on this page correct as of 16/09/26 .

    Related Simpler Recycling Guides

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