On 31st March 2025, the Department for Environment, Food, and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) will implement the Simpler Recycling legislation, designed to standardise recycling practices across England. This initiative promises to make recycling easier, reduce waste, and tackle waste crime, while also supporting the UK’s broader sustainability goals. For hospitality businesses, the changes will require significant adjustments to waste management practices. Here’s what you need to know.

A unified approach to recycling

For years, inconsistent recycling rules across the country have caused confusion, leading to underwhelming recycling rates. Simpler Recycling aims to change this by introducing a unified approach. Key changes include the introduction of a single bin for all dry recyclables—such as paper, cardboard, plastic, metal, and glass. This eliminates the need for businesses to separate materials like plastic bottles from glass jars or metal cans.

Additionally, the legislation mandates a dedicated bin for food waste. This system already exists in some local authorities, but the new rules will ensure that both households and businesses across England adopt consistent practices. This nationwide effort aims to reduce confusion, increase recycling rates, and minimise waste crime. A centralised, digital waste tracking system will also be introduced to monitor compliance and address illegal waste management activities, which currently cost the country around £1 billion annually.

What the legislation means for businesses

From 31st March 2025, all businesses in England with 10 or more full-time equivalent employees will be legally required to segregate recyclable materials into specific categories. The materials that must be recycled include paper, cardboard, plastic, glass, metal, and food waste. The rules will also apply to non-household premises such as schools, hospitals, and other institutions.

For businesses with fewer than 10 employees, known as micro-businesses, the compliance deadline has been extended to 31st March 2027. However, regardless of size, all businesses will need to start separating plastic film and flexible plastics by this date.

The materials eligible for recycling are clearly defined. For example, paper and cardboard must be free of glitter, foil, or lamination, and certain plastics—such as those used in bottles, pots, and trays—are included, while biodegradable plastic packaging is not. Food waste must also be segregated and includes everything from leftover food and vegetable peelings to coffee grounds and bones.

Timeline for implementation

While the immediate deadline for most businesses is 31st March 2025, there are several key milestones over the next few years:

• By March 2026, households will need to comply with similar recycling requirements, including separate food waste collections.
• By March 2027, plastic film and flexible packaging will be included in recycling streams for both businesses and households.

DEFRA has pledged to issue finalised guidance by Autumn 2024, providing businesses with detailed instructions to help them prepare.

The purpose behind simpler recycling

The Simpler Recycling initiative has several goals. At its core, it aims to improve recycling rates, particularly among businesses and households. England’s current recycling rate falls short of the 65% target for household waste by 2035, and these measures are expected to help close the gap.

By standardising what can and cannot be recycled, the legislation removes much of the uncertainty that has long plagued waste management. For businesses operating across multiple regions, this consistency will simplify compliance and reduce operational inefficiencies.

Another critical focus is reducing illegal waste activities. According to the Environment Agency, approximately 18% of waste in England—equivalent to 34 million tonnes—is managed illegally. By reforming the licensing system for waste carriers and introducing mandatory digital waste tracking, DEFRA hopes to make waste management more transparent and accountable.

The legislation also aims to encourage businesses and local authorities to divert waste from landfills. This is particularly important as landfill tax rates are set to rise significantly from April 2025. By introducing separate food waste collections and streamlining dry recyclable materials, Simpler Recycling can help reduce the volume of waste sent to landfills, aligning with the UK’s sustainability targets.

Preparing your business for change

To comply with the Simpler Recycling legislation, hospitality businesses should begin planning now. Reviewing existing waste management contracts is essential to ensure that your service provider can meet the new requirements. Additionally, staff training will be critical to ensure employees understand the importance of segregating materials correctly.

Investing in the appropriate infrastructure—such as dedicated bins for food waste and dry recyclables—will also be necessary. While the changes may require an initial investment, they represent a step toward a more sustainable and efficient way of managing waste.

With the first deadlines approaching in 2025, early preparation will allow hospitality businesses to adjust their processes gradually, ensuring compliance without disruption.

DEFRA’s Simpler Recycling legislation is an important milestone in the UK’s journey toward sustainability. By simplifying waste management, improving recycling rates, and addressing waste crime, it provides a framework for a cleaner, greener future. For hospitality businesses, adapting to these changes will not only ensure compliance but also demonstrate a commitment to environmental responsibility—a value increasingly important to customers and stakeholders alike.

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