Simpler Recycling: What You Need to Know
Sonya Cragg
DirectorHow to stay compliant with DEFRA’s new legislation
You may have heard about the newly introduced Simpler Recycling legislation, but do you know why it was brought in? While it was created to make your life easier and recycling, well — simpler. It also aims to emphasise the importance of recycling in the workplace. So, what exactly are the Simpler Recycling regulations and the benefits of recycling in the workplace?
First and foremost, the new legislation requires businesses to separate the following groups of recyclable materials and arrange individual collections for each:
- Glass, metal and plastic
- Cardboard and paper
- Food waste
Simpler Recycling Legislation – Recycling in the Workplace
Initially introduced by the Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (DEFRA) in 2023 to streamline processes around recycling requirements across England, Simpler Recycling looks to remove doubts around what can and can’t be recycled. With a three-stage roll-out already underway, the Simpler Recycling legislation encourages homes and businesses to recycle more mindfully.
New Workplace Recycling Legislation March 2025
Since the 31st of March 2025, all businesses, charities, public sector organisations and non-household premises (like schools and hospitals, for example) with 10 or more full-time employees have had to ensure they separate plastic, glass, metals, food waste, paper and card from general waste. This spans everything from offices, retail stores and construction sites to event venues, care homes and warehouses.
Since the Simpler Recycling changes came in, the government is working to improve overall understanding of workplace recycling and the different types of waste that needs to be segregated, collected and recycled. You can find out more on the Simpler Recycling website, but for now, here’s a breakdown:
What is Dry Mixed Recycling (DMR)?
- Glass (drinks bottles, rinsed and empty food jars)
- Metal (drinks cans, rinsed and empty food tins, empty aerosols, aluminium foil, aluminium food trays and tubes)
- Plastic (rinsed and empty plastic food containers and plastic bottles)
- Paper and cardboard
What is food waste?
- Food waste generated as a by-product of the manufacturing process (not animal carcasses) or food prep, peelings etc
- Food leftovers from customer or staff meals (scrapings from plates)
- Banana skins and apple cores
- Coffee grounds and tea bags
Does your business need to follow the new Simpler Recycling regulations?
If you’re wondering if the Simpler Recycling legislation is going to affect your business, well – in short – the answer is yes. If your company employs more than 10 full-time employees (even if they are based at different locations), you should already be adhering to the updated recycling processes. However, if you run a small business of a micro-firm with less than 10 full-time employees across the board, you have until the 31st of March 2027 to become compliant.
Failing to follow the Simpler Recycling regulations could result in a compliance notice from the Environment Agency (EA). Ignoring this notice is a criminal offence and may lead to enforcement action in line with the EA’s Enforcement and Sanctions policy, potentially costing your business both money and reputation.
How can Midas Waste help you comply with Simpler Recycling?
Midas Waste will take care of every detail when it comes to collecting and handling your commercial waste in line with the new Simpler Recycling regulations. A small, family-run business with care at its core, Midas Waste can work with you to provide a bespoke waste service that’s tailored to you and your business.
Our Free Waste Audit will assess your current waste processes and ensure compliance with Simpler Recycling regulations.
Benefits of Recycling in the Workplace
The new Simpler Recycling legislation isn’t just about compliance, it’s about creating positive outcomes for both businesses and the environment. By separating recyclables correctly, companies can save money through more efficient waste collection services, increasing recycling rates and lowering their environmental footprint. It also helps protect your brand image by demonstrating a genuine commitment to sustainability, all while avoiding costly fines and penalties. Ultimately, recycling under the new rules means doing the right thing for the planet and your bottom line.
We’re ready when you are
Find out more about our commercial waste services and book a FREE waste audit here.
If you have any questions or have time for a quick, informal chat, give us a call on 0344 264 3944 or send an email to enquiries@midaswaste.co.uk
.