New recycling laws start today — here’s how to stay out the sin bin

Sorting the office bins may be outside most workers’ immediate job descriptions. But SMEs may need to start paying more attention to recycling, as new guidelines have been put in place from today.

The set of rules, called Simpler Recycling, requires firms to separate their waste from March 31. It’s part of a larger initiative to boost recycling across the country, reduce waste, and work towards a more sustainable culture.

The announcement has gone over many business owner’s heads. Below, we’ll walk you through the new rules — including who’s exempt — so that you can remain compliant.

What is Simpler Recycling and what does it mean for businesses?

Simpler Recycling is a new set of government guidelines that requires workplaces to separate their waste and recycling.

The rules apply from March 31 for most businesses. It’s not just offices; all organisations are responsible, including those in hospitality, healthcare, and places of worship.

As many as 76% of businesses are unaware of the new rules, so here they are, in case you missed the announcement.

The guidance requires businesses to separate waste into three or four categories:

• Dry recyclable materials (plastic, metal, and glass)
• Food waste (fruit and veg scraps, lunch leftovers, coffee grounds, etc.)
• Black bin waste (everything else)

It’s nothing technically new if you’re already a seasoned recycler. It’s just now become a legal requirement for businesses to separate their waste. Bosses should also train staff on the importance of waste separation and how to do so properly.

What are the penalties for not following Simpler Recycling?

While there are penalties for not following the Simpler Recyling’s guidelines, no one is going to jail if they throw an apple core in the paper bin.

However, if your company does not comply with the new requirements then, from today, you are at risk of being slapped with a compliance notice from the Environment Agency.

The exception is micro-businesses, which have an extra two years before recycling becomes a legal requirement.

If your business employs less than ten full-time employees, you fall into the category of a micro-business. This means you have a little more time to get your recycling up to scratch before the deadline in March 2027.

But nothing is stopping you from getting ahead of the curve (and Mother Earth will surely thank you).

Why you need to care about simpler recycling

While recycling rules may not be the most pressing item on your agenda, following the guidelines is important for both compliance and your business’s reputation.

That’s not to mention the real reason behind why we should be recycling. Recent research of 1,000 UK office workers found that each person could charge a mobile phone 13 times with the amount of energy generated by their lunchtime food waste. That’s a lot of discarded meal deals.

So, rather than seeing this as yet more red tape, see it as an opportunity to clean up your office and strive for a more sustainable business — and all in time for Earth Day on April 22.