Workplace Recycling: Bins, Signage and Processes
Have you considered the bin procurement implications of the imminent implementation date for businesses?
Yes, the implications surrounding bin procurement and readiness for the new regulations have been carefully considered. The government is aware of the pressures that businesses and waste management providers may face as the Simpler Recycling reforms take effect. This includes potential delays in the supply of waste containers, vehicles, and the broader infrastructure needed to support the rollout.
To support a smooth transition, there is ongoing collaboration with waste collectors and industry stakeholders across the sector. The aim is to identify barriers early and ensure that all parties are adequately equipped to meet the requirements.
In particular, work is being carried out alongside WRAP (the Waste and Resources Action Programme) to assess and develop targeted solutions that could alleviate pressure points in the supply chain. This includes exploring options to address shortages or delays that could hinder compliance.
Engagement from businesses and service providers is encouraged, as their insight helps inform practical interventions and supports a coordinated response to the upcoming obligations.
Is there a certain bin specification that businesses should adhere to?
There is no mandatory standard for the type, size, or style of internal bins that businesses must use within the workplace. As long as recyclable waste streams are being separated appropriately – or if a valid exemption or exception applies – businesses are free to select bin types and configurations that best fit their operational needs and available space.
When it comes to external bins used for waste collection, these are typically supplied by your waste management provider. The size, type, and number of bins are usually agreed upon as part of the service contract, tailored to the volume and nature of waste produced by the business.
Ultimately, the key requirement is compliance with separation rules – not specific bin models – so businesses have flexibility in choosing a setup that is practical and efficient for their environment.
Are workplaces (such as fast-food and retail businesses) required to provide bins for customers?
There is currently no legal obligation for workplaces – including fast-food outlets and retail businesses – to offer recycling bins specifically for customer use. However, if your business does provide customer-facing bins, all waste that resembles household waste must be properly separated and presented to your waste contractor in line with the Simpler Recycling regulations.
This includes ensuring that dry mixed recyclables, paper and card (which must be separated by default unless your collector has justified co-collection), and food waste are all collected and stored apart from general residual waste, as specified in your waste collection agreement.
While it’s not a mandatory requirement, offering recycling options for customers is strongly encouraged. Simpler Recycling aims to embed good recycling habits into everyday life – whether people are at home, at work, in education, or out and about. To support this shift, government-backed initiatives led by Defra and WRAP will be promoting clear guidance and consistent messaging, including signage, to help both businesses and consumers play their part.
Regardless of whether customers generate waste on your premises, your business is still responsible for sorting and presenting any household-type recyclable waste it produces. It is essential to have systems in place that help reduce contamination and ensure proper recycling across all operations.
If I do provide customer/visitor facing litter bins, will I be required to separate this for recycling?
Yes – starting from 31 March 2025, if your business supplies litter bins for use by customers or visitors, whether inside or outside your premises, you will be legally required to separate any waste collected that qualifies as relevant waste (i.e. similar in type and composition to household waste). This separated waste must then be presented to your waste contractor in accordance with your agreed waste collection arrangements.
This change forms part of the wider Simpler Recycling reforms, which aim to create consistency and improve recycling outcomes across England. While this requirement may pose practical challenges for certain business types – particularly those operating in high-footfall areas or with limited space – it is vital that all businesses begin planning now to ensure compliance.
The government has acknowledged these operational concerns and continues to work closely with the waste management sector to develop workable solutions that support both businesses and service providers.
By preparing early, reviewing your bin infrastructure, and speaking with your waste provider, your business can ensure it’s set up to meet these obligations – and help build a cleaner, more sustainable environment in the process.
Will there be standard signage for all workplaces to use?
Under the Simpler Recycling reforms, there is no legal obligation for businesses to use a specific type of signage on their bins or around their premises. However, for those workplaces wishing to provide clear and consistent messaging to staff and visitors, signage resources are readily available.
A set of bin labels and communication materials can be accessed via the Business of Recycling website, which is managed by WRAP. These resources are designed to help workplaces support correct waste separation and raise awareness of the new requirements.
In addition to national tools, businesses are encouraged to speak with their waste collector, who may offer tailored signage or communication materials as part of their service. Ensuring bins are clearly labelled can significantly reduce contamination and support better recycling performance – particularly in busy or shared work environments.
Employers should also consider using staff engagement materials, such as posters or digital guidance, to reinforce correct sorting behaviours and make the transition to Simpler Recycling as smooth as possible.
What will the requirements be of instore noticing?
There is no formal legal duty under the Simpler Recycling reforms for businesses to display notices within their premises. However, it remains essential that every workplace introduces an internal waste management system that ensures recyclable materials and food waste are separated correctly from general waste in line with their waste collection arrangements.
While signage isn’t mandatory, having clear instore notices or bin labels can play a crucial role in guiding staff and customers to dispose of waste properly and reduce contamination between streams. This is especially important in busy retail and food service environments where large volumes of waste are generated quickly.
Ultimately, it’s up to each business to determine the best communication method to support proper sorting, but those who implement clear, visible, and consistent messaging are likely to find compliance much easier and benefit from more efficient waste collection.
If there are space constraints, will we be able to collect Dry Mixed Recycling (DMR) co-mingled in single rather than multiple containers?
Under the Simpler Recycling rules, the default position is that paper and card must be collected separately from other dry recyclables such as plastics, metals and glass. However, if separating these materials isn’t practical due to technical limitations, lack of space, or excessive cost, or if keeping them separate wouldn’t result in a significant environmental gain, then a co-mingled collection may be permitted.
To justify this, your waste collector must complete a brief written assessment, explaining why separate collection is not viable or beneficial. This process is governed by the TEEP criteria (Technically, Environmentally and Economically Practicable). The government has made this easier by publishing official guidance along with a recommended assessment template to support waste collectors in complying with the rules.
So, if your premises face genuine space restrictions, a co-mingled DMR collection could still be compliant – but only if supported by the proper documentation from your collector.
Can waste be backhauled to another premises for onward recycling?
Yes, businesses can transport recyclable materials to another location within their organisation (known as backhauling), where waste can then be collected for recycling – provided certain conditions are met.
- Firstly, all recyclable materials must remain properly separated in line with the agreed waste collection arrangements. It’s essential that the backhauling process does not lead to cross-contamination between different waste streams (e.g. dry recyclables must stay separate from food or residual waste).
- Secondly, while backhauling is permitted, businesses must be aware that moving waste between sites may require registration as a licensed waste carrier. If you are transporting your own waste as part of backhauling, you may need to register through the official GOV.UK portal for carriers, brokers, or dealers.
In some situations, the Non-Waste Framework Directive allows for temporary storage and limited handling of waste without formal registration with the Environment Agency – but this depends on specific conditions being met.
To summarise: backhauling is allowed, but only if separation is maintained and regulatory obligations are carefully considered.
Can workplaces use public litter bins (i.e. street bins) to dispose of their commercial waste?
No – businesses are strictly prohibited from using public litter bins to dispose of commercial waste. Doing so is considered a criminal offence and represents a clear breach of your legal duty of care as a waste producer.
Every workplace is required to have its own legitimate and compliant waste collection arrangements in place. This obligation is part of the Simpler Recycling regulations and is reinforced under the broader legal responsibilities outlined in the UK’s waste duty of care framework.
To remain compliant, you must ensure that all waste generated through your commercial activity is stored, handled, and collected properly – using authorised waste carriers and appropriate containers. Disposing of commercial waste in street bins designed for public use not only undermines recycling efforts but also places your business at risk of legal action, financial penalties, and reputational damage.
For more details on your responsibilities, refer to the official government guidance: Dispose of business or commercial waste: Your responsibilities – GOV.UK.
In short: public bins are for public use only – never for workplace waste.
Can materials be bagged and put on the same vehicle?
Yes, transporting separately bagged materials in the same vehicle is permitted under sections 45AZA and 45AZB, as long as those materials remain unmixed throughout transit.
For instance, using a cage vehicle where each waste stream is bagged in clearly colour-coded sacks (e.g. one for paper and card, another for food waste, etc.) is considered fully compliant – provided the bags stay intact and are kept separate during unloading.
However, compaction vehicles must not be used to collect different waste types such as residual, recycling, or food waste together, even if they are bagged. This is because compaction almost always leads to cross-contamination, making the waste unsuitable for recycling.
Waste collectors are still bound by Regulation 14 of The Waste (England and Wales) Regulations 2011, which clearly states that separately collected waste must not be mixed with other waste streams during handling or transport. Therefore, ensuring that bags remain sealed and intact during the journey is essential to maintain compliance and protect the recyclability of materials.
In summary, shared transport is allowed – but only when waste types are securely separated and contamination is prevented.
Can materials be bagged and put on the same vehicle?
Yes, transporting separately bagged materials in the same vehicle is permitted under sections 45AZA and 45AZB, as long as those materials remain unmixed throughout transit.
For instance, using a cage vehicle where each waste stream is bagged in clearly colour-coded sacks (e.g. one for paper and card, another for food waste, etc.) is considered fully compliant – provided the bags stay intact and are kept separate during unloading.
However, compaction vehicles must not be used to collect different waste types such as residual, recycling, or food waste together, even if they are bagged. This is because compaction almost always leads to cross-contamination, making the waste unsuitable for recycling.
Waste collectors are still bound by Regulation 14 of The Waste (England and Wales) Regulations 2011, which clearly states that separately collected waste must not be mixed with other waste streams during handling or transport. Therefore, ensuring that bags remain sealed and intact during the journey is essential to maintain compliance and protect the recyclability of materials.
In summary, shared transport is allowed – but only when waste types are securely separated and contamination is prevented.
We are an Anaerobic Digestion/composting facility. Can we dispose of our food waste directly?
Yes, if your site’s waste management system collects food waste and dry recyclables separately and directs them straight into the appropriate disposal process or container, this approach complies with the regulations.
Anaerobic digestion and composting facilities must hold a valid permit issued by the Environment Agency authorising them to process food and garden waste. The resulting digestate or compost should meet the required quality standards to be safely applied to land as a fertiliser.
It is considered best practice for your digestate and compost products to comply with the Environment Agency’s Quality Protocols, including standards such as PAS 100 or PAS 110, or other recognised certifications. This ensures environmental safety and promotes sustainable recycling of organic materials.