Simpler Recycling

Simpler Recycling

Learn how the new Simpler Recycling law will change recycling in England. It will make waste collection easier by standardising what can be recycled and require separate bins for food waste.

What is Simpler Recycling?
From March 2025, businesses with 10 or more employees must separate dry recyclables and food waste from general waste. The intention behind the initiative is to simplify the recycling process so people will be able to recycle the same materials whether at home or at work. Those with fewer than 10 employees have until March 2027 to implement the scheme. Local authorities will also follow these recycling rules for households by March 2026.

What does this mean for your business?
By the 31st March 2025, your business must separate dry recycling and food waste from general waste into the appropriate containers for recycling. 

The collecting and processing of fibre can be done as part of dry, mixed recycling where collecting it separately would not be environmentally or economically practical.

How can Enva help?
Enva can help make waste management effortless for your business! Our simple and flexible solutions ensure you stay compliant, minimise disruption, and maximise recycling. 

Simpler Recycling Timeline

  • By 31st March 2025, all businesses and non-household places with 10 or more full-time employees must recycle all types of recyclable waste.
  • By 31st March 2026, local authorities must collect six types of recyclable waste (excluding plastic film) from all homes. They also need to collect food waste every week, unless they have a special arrangement allowing them to start later according to the rules.
  • By March 31, 2027, micro-firms (with fewer than 10 full-time employees) must follow new recycling rules (pending Defra confirmation). By this date, all businesses and non-household locations must separate recyclable plastic films


Please note this remains subject to legislative confirmation from DEFRA.

Contact us now to learn more and discover how we can support your business throughout the transition into Simpler Recycling.

All paper and card except for the following which can’t be recycled:

  • Wallpaper
  • Wet cardboard
  • Paper with food stains or food waste
  • Laminated paper
  • Padded envelopes

You should collect paper and card separately from other dry recyclable waste (plastic, metal and glass) unless it: 

  • is not ‘technically practicable’ 
  • is not ‘economically practicable’
  • has ‘no significant environmental benefit’

You must prepare a written assessment to explain why one or more of these options apply. 

You should regularly review written assessments to make sure they stay relevant. For example, you could do this annually or when circumstances change, such as when:

  • collection, treatment or recycling contracts end or are changed
  • vehicles are replaced
  • you get access to a new recycling facility or technology

You can find more information about paper and cardboard recycling here: https://enva.com/resource-recovery/paper-card

  • Glass packaging including bottles and jars

You can find more information about glass recycling here: https://enva.com/case-studies/glass-recycling

  • Plastic bottles made of polyethylene terephthalate (PET, including amorphous, recycled PET), polypropylene (PP) and high-density polyethylene (HDPE)
  • Pots, tubs and trays made of PET PE/PP plastic tubes larger than 50mm x 50mm
  • Cartons for food, drink and other liquids, including aseptic and chilled cartons
  • Plastic film packaging and plastic bags made of mono-polyethylene (mono-PE), mono-polypropylene (mono-PP) and mixed polyolefins PE and PP (from 31 March 2027)

You can find more information about plastic recycling here: https://enva.com/resource-recovery/plastic

  • Steel and aluminium tins and cans
  • Steel and aluminium aerosols
  • Aluminium foil
  • Aluminium food tray
  • Steel and aluminium jars and bottle lids
  • Aluminium tubes

You can find more information about metal recycling here: https://enva.com/case-studies/scrap-metal-collection-services

All food intended for human or household pet consumption and inedible food parts including:

  • Bones
  • Eggshells
  • Tea bags/ coffee grounds
  • Fruit/ vegetable peel

You can find more information about food waste here: https://enva.com/case-studies/food-waste-recycling-collection

All organic material from the garden including:

  • Leaves and flowers
  • Grass and weeds
  • Pruned branches, clippings, twigs and bark
  • Home-grown fruit and vegetables

You can find more information about garden waste here: https://enva.com/case-studies/how-to-dispose-of-garden-waste

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