Mandatory Workplace Recycling Rules Start March 2025
From 31 March 2025 (or 31 March 2027 for micro-firms), businesses and other non-domestic premises in England must follow updated guidelines for separating waste streams. This aims to improve recycling and reduce the environmental impact of workplace waste.
Key Waste Separation Requirements
Under the updated rules, workplaces must separate:
- Dry Recyclable Materials: Plastic, metal, glass, paper, and card.
- Food Waste: Including food preparation scraps and leftovers.
- Residual (Black Bin) Waste: Non-recyclable items such as heavily contaminated materials.
Businesses generating garden waste must arrange for recycling or composting if it achieves the best environmental outcomes.
Who Must Comply?
These regulations apply to all workplaces producing waste similar to household waste, including:
- Offices,
- Retail shops,
- Hospitality venues,
- Schools,
- Healthcare facilities,
- Care homes,
- Places of worship
- Penal institutions and premises used for public meetings etc.
If you’re unsure whether your business is covered, consult the legislation or seek advice from your waste collector.
Micro-Firm Compliance Deadline
Workplaces with fewer than 10 full-time employees (micro-firms) must comply by 31 March 2027. Part-time employees count towards this total proportionally. Volunteers are excluded from this calculation.
Legal Obligations
Businesses must:
- Work with waste collectors to ensure separate collection of recyclable, food, and black bin waste.
- Follow the waste hierarchy to prioritise prevention, reuse, and recycling.
- Ensure separated recyclables are not mixed during transport or disposal.
Non-compliance may lead to compliance notices from the Environment Agency, with potential fines or enforcement action.
Waste Collector Responsibilities
Waste collectors must:
- Collect separated recyclable materials, food waste, and residual waste.
- Ensure paper and card are collected separately from plastics, metal, and glass unless impractical.
- Conduct and document co-collection assessments if separate collection isn’t feasible.
Reporting Non-Compliance
From April 2025, the public can report businesses failing to meet these requirements to the Environment Agency. Updated guidance on reporting processes will be issued by Defra.
By complying with these rules, workplaces can significantly improve recycling rates and contribute to sustainability goals. For tailored advice, consult your waste management provider or local authority.