Recycling Calculator - HTML
HTML for Identifying which kind of recycling bins a client would need to dispose of waste.
Simpler Recycling
Simpler Recycling came into force on 31st March 2025. Make navigating this legislation simple with Fresh Start Waste.
Simpler Recycling law came into force 31st March 2025.
Simpler Recycling law was implemented on 31st March 2025. Businesses with over 10 employees must now segregate their waste at source so it can be more efficiently recycled.
The legislation is designed to streamline recycling processes, making it easier for businesses to comply with environmental regulations, while contributing to a more sustainable future.
It is crucial for businesses to understand the implications of this law, what they must do to ensure compliance, and how they can leverage the services of Fresh Start for faster, more efficient waste and recycling collections.
Simpler Recycling for Businesses
Under Defra Simpler Recycling plans, all businesses, schools, hospitals, and other ‘non-household municipal premises in England’ with more than 10 employees, must arrange collection for recycling or composting of the same recyclable waste streams as households. This excludes any garden waste.
Simpler Recycling legislation mandates a more straightforward classification and separation of waste, aimed at enhancing recycling rates and reducing landfill use.
For businesses, this means ensuring waste management practices and protocols align with this legislation. Fresh Start can help businesses with compliance and sustainability with our complete range of waste services.
Contact Us Today
Whatever your business, we offer sustainable waste management and recycling collection services across various towns and regions.
As a carbon-conscious company, the environment is at the core of everything we do. Being a widely trusted waste collector, we understand our responsibility to both our customers and the community to minimise our carbon footprint. That’s why we provide win-win solutions by encouraging customers to segregate waste at the source, rewarding these efforts with reduced waste disposal costs.
What Simpler Recycling Means For Your Business
The size of your business will impact how you transition to Simpler Recycling.
1. If you employ 10 or more full time equivalent employees:
Your business must segregate the following materials into appropriate containers to enable the recycling of valuable resources.
These materials are:
- Plastic
- Glass
- Metal (cans, tins and foil),
- Cartons & tetrapaks
- Paper and cardboard
- Food waste
The government has put in place provisions for flexible collections with waste collectors in instances where it is economically, operationally and environmentally sound to do so. For example, collecting glass separately from other dry mixed recyclable materials (DMR), or, co-collecting paper and card with other DMR. By the 31st March 2027, recyclable plastic films must also be separated.
2. If you employ less than 10 full time equivalent employees:
Although it’s best practice to implement segregated recycling, smaller businesses employing less than 10 people not yet subject to Simpler Recycling Laws. Full Simpler Recycling legislation will become law for these businesses in March 2027.
Recycling Calculator - Submission
Submission for more Recycling information.
Simpler Recycling Key Facts
The main points to note under the Simpler Recycling scheme are:
1. MANDATORY SEPARATION OF RECYCLABLES:
If your business has 10 or more full-time employees, you’re now required to separate recyclable materials like paper, plastics, metals, and glass at the source.
2. DOCUMENTATION AND REPORTING:
Businesses are required to have enhanced documentation to track waste segregation and recycling rates.
3. REGULAR AUDITS:
We’ll conduct periodic waste audits to ensure compliance with regulations. Non-compliance could result in significant fines and reputational damage, making it essential for businesses to manage waste streams in accordance with the law.
Simpler Recycling With Fresh Start
We offer a comprehensive solution to help businesses navigate recycling laws. Our Simpler Recycling calculator above will show you in a few seconds what you’ll need for complete compliance. We offer a FREE Simpler Recycling consultation and full service recycling solutions that include:
1. Free Waste Audit
With Fresh Start you get a free waste audit, analysing your current waste management practices and identifying areas for improvement. This audit is crucial in understanding the specific needs of your business and ensuring that you are managing waste in line with legislation.
2. Tailored Waste and Recycling Collection Service
Based on the audit findings, we’ll recommend and implement a waste and recycling collection service tailored to your business needs. This ensures that your waste management practices are not only compliant with Simpler Recycling, but are also optimised for environmental best practices.
3. State-of-the-Art Materials Recovery Facility
All collected waste is taken to our state-of-the-art materials recovery facility. Here, waste undergoes further sorting to maximise recycling output. Advanced technologies are employed to ensure that as much waste as possible is diverted from landfills and recycled effectively.
4. Eco-Friendly Split Body Vehicles
One of the standout features of our service is our use of eco-friendly split body vehicles. These vehicles can collect multiple types of waste in a single trip, minimising the number of trucks required to visit each site. This not only reduces carbon emissions, but also streamlines the collection process.
5. Monthly Environmental Reports
To keep businesses informed of their environmental impact, we provide detailed monthly environmental reports. These reports include data on the amount of waste recycled, the reduction in landfill usage, and the carbon impact of your waste management practices. This transparency helps you monitor your progress and make informed decisions about further improvements.
What is Simpler Recycling?
Simpler Recycling is a government initiative to reform the way businesses approach recycling. It came into force on 31st March 2025.
It means that people across England will be able to recycle the same materials, whether at home, work or school.
With Simpler Recycling, DEFRA has aimed to make the process much clearer, so there is no confusion over what can and cannot be recycled.
Why Have Simpler Recycling Rules Been Introduced in the UK?
The Government states that Simpler Recycling regulations aim to help with:
- Improving UK recycling rates
- Reducing waste contamination
- Helping to reach Net Zero targets
Who Must Comply With Simpler Recycling Regulations?
All businesses, schools, hospitals, and other non-domestic premises with 10 or more employees must comply with the Simpler Recycling regulations as of 31st March 2025.
Smaller companies, meaning those with less than ten employees have until 31st March 2027 to comply.
What Does Simpler Recycling Mean for My Business?
If your business has 10 or more employees you are now responsible for separating different types of waste for more efficient recycling.
To manage waste responsibly, businesses must use the right containers for different types of waste and arrange proper collection services with a licensed waste management provider.
How Can Businesses Prepare for New Simpler Recycling Regulations?
Businesses should have already prepared for the new Simpler Recycling regulations and organised the following:
- Regular waste collections with a licensed waste carrier
- Separate bins for different types of waste
- Staff training on proper waste segregation
- Investment in compliant recycling stations
When Did Simpler Recycling Start?
The new legislation for Simpler Recycling came into force on 31st March 2025 for most businesses and non-domestic premises.
For small businesses with less than 10 employees, Simpler Recycling will not start until March 2027.
What Materials Must Be Recycled Separately Under the Simpler Recycling Legislation?
Under Simpler Recycling regulations, businesses must now recycle the following products separately:
- Food waste
- Glass
- Metal
- Recyclable plastic
- Paper and cardboard
How Many Recycling Bins Do Businesses Need to Comply With Simpler Recycling Rules?
Most businesses will need three recycling bins to be compliant with Simpler Recycling rules:
- A bin for paper and cardboard
- A glass bin where quantity is significant
- A metal bin where quantity is significant
- A plastics bin where quantity is significant
- A food waste bin
- A general waste bin
Is There a Minimum Quantity for Simpler Recycling?
The Simpler Recycling regulations state that separate recycling is required based on number of employees and does not specify a quantity.
How Do I Recycle Food Waste Under the New Simpler Recycling Regulations?
Food waste must be collected and recycled separately. This came into effect on 31st March 2025..
Food waste cannot be mixed with general waste or other recyclables.
What Are the Penalties for Non-compliance With Simpler Recycling Regulations?
Businesses that fail to properly separate recyclables from general waste may face substantial fines.
It is important that businesses understand what the Simpler Recycling regulations require from them to ensure they are not penalised.
Where Can I Find More Information About Simpler Recycling?
The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) keep their guidance updated on their website https://www.gwrwastemanagement.co.uk/defras-simpler-recycling-reforms-for-england
Alternatively, if you have any questions, you can contact our helpful team.
What is DEFRA?
DEFRA stands for the Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs. It is a government department responsible for protecting the environment and promoting sustainable development.
DEFRA works to ensure that policies and practices related to sectors, such as agriculture, fisheries, food, and rural communities, are environmentally friendly and support the wellbeing of both people and the planet.
Through various initiatives and regulations, DEFRA plays an essential role in shaping the future of UK environmental and agricultural practices.
Free Waste Audit
We provide a free waste audit, analysing your current waste management practices and identifying areas for improvement to ensure compliance. This audit is crucial in understanding the specific needs of your business and ensuring that you are fully prepared for the new regulations.