SIMPLER RECYCLING LAW: WHAT BUSINESSES NEED TO DO

New workplace recycling rules are now in force, changing how businesses must manage waste. 

Under the Simpler Recycling legislation, workplaces must separate key waste streams before collection. This is now a legal requirement, not just best practice. 

If waste is not separated correctly, organisations risk compliance notices and enforcement action. 

The good news is that staying compliant is straightforward with the right setup. 

WHO DOES THE SIMPLER RECYCLING LAW AFFECT? 

The new rules apply to most workplaces with 10 or more full-time equivalent employees.  

This includes many of the sector’s SMI supports. 

The law applies across: 

• Public sector buildings  
• Food manufacturing sites  
• Facilities management environments  
• Logistics and warehousing operations  
• Manufacturing and production facilities  

Each of these typically generates multiple waste streams, making clear separation essential. 

For example: 

• Public sector buildings need clear bins for both staff and visitors  
• Food manufacturing sites must separate food waste from general waste  
• Logistics and warehouses generate large volumes of cardboard and plastic packaging  

WHAT WASTE NEEDS TO BE SEPARATED 

To comply with the Simpler Recycling law, workplaces must separate at least three waste streams before collection: 

• Food waste
• Residual waste
• Dry recyclable materials

This separation must happen on-site.

1. DRY RECYCLABLE MATERIALS

This includes plastic, metal, glass, paper, and card.  

High volumes are common in logistics, warehousing, and manufacturing environments. 

2. FOOD WASTE 

Food waste must be collected separately.  

This applies to canteens, kitchens, and welfare areas across all sectors. 

 

3. RESIDUAL WASTE 

Residual waste is anything that cannot be recycled and must remain separate. 

HOW TO STAY COMPLIANT WITH WORKPLACE RECYCLING 

The simplest way to meet requirements is to introduce dedicated bins for each waste stream. 

This makes disposal clear and reduces contamination. 

Recommended bin setup: 

• Food waste bins
• Residual waste bins
• Recycling bins for dry recyclables

Position bins in high-use areas such as production floors, warehouses, and break rooms. 

MAKE RECYCLING CLEAR AND EASY TO FOLLOW 

Separation only works when it is obvious. Clear labelling and colour-coded stations help employees and visitors dispose of waste correctly. 

This is particularly important in: 

• High-traffic areas 
• Shared workplaces  
• Multi-site operations  
• Public-facing environments  

Clear visual guidance improves recycling accuracy and supports compliance. 

DO SMALLER BUSINESSES NEED TO COMPLY? 

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

Preparing early helps avoid disruption and ensures a smoother transition to new laws. 

 

WHAT HAPPENS IF YOU DON’T COMPLY? 

If waste is not separated correctly, organisations may receive compliance notices from the Environment Agency. 

This can lead to: 

• Collection refusals  
• Enforcement action  
• Increased waste costs  

Putting the right recycling system in place helps reduce risk. 

SUPPORT YOUR RECYCLING WITH CLEAR SIGNAGE 

Signage helps everyone understand what goes where. This is especially important in busy environments with multiple users. 

Clear signs: 

• Support compliance  
• Reduce contamination 
• Improve recycling accuracy  
• Make disposal quicker and easier  

STAY COMPLIANT WITH SMI 

SMI helps you prepare for the Simpler Recycling law with straightforward, compliant waste solutions. 

We provide: 

• Clear signage
• Residual waste bins
• Colour-coded stations
• Food waste containers
• Recycling bins for required waste streams

Everything you need to make workplace recycling simple. 

Ready to improve recycling across your site? Speak to our team and stay compliant with the Simpler Recycling law.