Simpler Recycling: Workplace Recycling in England

Posted on March 26, 2025

There is new guidance from the 31^st of March 2025 (or the 31^st of March 2027 for micro-firms – companies with less than 10 full-time employees in total) for waste collectors and workplaces on separating dry recyclables, food waste and black bin waste.

All workplaces (businesses and non-domestic premises) in England have a legal duty to present the following wastes separated in accordance with the arrangements with their waste collector:

Dry recyclable materials – plastic, metal, glass, paper and card.
Food waste – food leftovers and waste generated by preparing food (of any volume, including if the workplace does not serve food or have a canteen).
Black bin waste (residual waste) – absorbent hygiene products such as nappies and highly contaminated materials like food packaging that cannot be washed.

Business Waste

Any waste that comes from a commercial activity is business waste. If you use part of your home to run your business, then any waste from that part is business waste. Business waste also includes any waste that comes from:

Construction
Demolition
Industry
Agriculture

Responsibilities

When disposing of business or commercial waste you must:

Keep waste to a minimum by doing everything you reasonably can to prevent, reuse, recycle or recover waste (in that order) – get help to do this.
Sort and store waste safely and securely.
Complete a waste transfer note for each load of waste that leaves your premises.
Check if your waste carrier is registered to dispose of waste.
Not allow the waste carrier to dispose of your waste illegally (and report them to Crimestoppers if they do).
Recycle waste that’s like household waste, including food and dry recyclables such as glass, plastic, metal, paper and card – there’s more information in the Simpler recycling: workplace recycling in England guidance.

You have extra responsibilities if you’re dealing with hazardous waste.

What to do next?

You should discuss the requirements with your waste collector and arrange separate dry recycling, food waste and black bin waste collection. The waste collector can be a private waste collector, or your local authority may also provide services. If your current waste collector does not offer the full range of collection services, you will need to arrange these services from other providers.

This text has been lifted directly from guidance which can be found on the following link for further reading – Simpler recycling: workplace recycling in England – GOV.UK

Additional Health and Safety Considerations can be found below.

Business Compliance and Workplace Safety

For businesses, adapting to the new recycling system means ensuring that waste disposal areas are safe and organised. Key considerations include:

Storage and Fire Safety: Accumulating large amounts of recyclable materials, particularly paper and plastic, could pose fire hazards. Proper storage and regular waste removal are necessary.
Slips, Trips, and Falls: Overflowing bins and poorly managed waste areas can create hazards in workplaces. Businesses must ensure clear walkways and safe waste disposal practices.
Hazardous Waste Separation: Businesses dealing with industrial waste or chemicals must ensure compliance with hazardous waste regulations, avoiding cross-contamination with recyclables.

Public Safety and Hygiene

As local authorities implement separate collections for food and garden waste, residents should be aware of potential health risks, including:

Pest Control: Food waste storage may attract rodents and insects. Households should use sealed bins and follow collection schedules to minimise this risk.
Bin Placement and Collection Safety: Ensuring that bins are not obstructing footpaths or roads can prevent trip hazards and improve accessibility for waste collectors and pedestrians.
Education and Awareness: Public campaigns should emphasise proper waste disposal techniques to reduce contamination and protect both public and environmental health.

If you need any advice or support on this subject, or you have any other health and safety concerns, please call us on 0151 545 0497 or email [email protected].