New Recycling Rules: Paper and Cardboard Must Be Separate by 2025
On 29 November 2024, the Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (Defra) introduced updates to the Simpler Recycling regulations, aiming to standardise waste collection practices across the UK. These changes are set to improve recycling rates and support the nation’s sustainability goals by ensuring better waste management at both domestic and business levels.
New Recycling Structure Introduced
Under the updated guidance, local councils and waste collectors will adopt a four-stream waste collection system as the standard:
- Residual waste (non-recyclable materials)
- Food waste (optionally combined with garden waste)
- Paper and cardboard
- All other dry recyclable materials (e.g., plastics, metals, glass)
While the four-stream collection will be the default, local councils retain flexibility to adapt services based on specific regional needs.
Workplaces, including schools, offices, and other non-domestic premises, will also be required to segregate waste into separate streams. The compliance dates are 31 March 2025 for most businesses and 31 March 2027 for micro-enterprises with fewer than 10 full-time employees.
Practical Guidance for Businesses
To facilitate the transition, Defra released updated guidelines for workplaces and waste collectors. Key points include:
- Businesses must separate dry recyclables, food waste, and residual waste.
- Organisations can determine the size of containers and frequency of collection based on their waste output.
- Waste collectors may opt to combine certain recyclable streams, like paper and cardboard, where it’s economically or environmentally justified.
Industry Reactions
Paper and Cardboard Recycling: A Boost for Quality
The Confederation of Paper Industries (CPI) has endorsed the policy, highlighting its potential to enhance the recyclability of paper and cardboard by reducing contamination.
Dimitra Rappou, Executive Director of Sustainable Products at the CPI, stated:
“Prioritising the separate collection of paper and card will increase recycling rates and improve material quality. This is a crucial step toward a more sustainable circular economy.”
Rappou also urged for alignment with the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) framework to ensure systemic improvements in recycling infrastructure.
The Recycling Association: A Balanced Approach
Paul Sanderson, CEO of The Recycling Association, commended the flexibility of the updated rules, saying:
“Separating paper and cardboard as a default while allowing exceptions ensures practicality without compromising quality. This approach will help improve recycling outcomes for both households and businesses.”
Legal Compliance and Reporting
From April 2025, the public will have the ability to report businesses that fail to comply with Simpler Recycling regulations to the Environment Agency. Defra plans to release further details on the reporting process early next year.
Challenges for Local Authorities
The National Association of Waste Disposal Officers (NAWDO) expressed concerns over the March 2025 compliance date for non-domestic premises. A spokesperson commented:
“While we welcome the clarity provided by Defra, the timeline for non-domestic compliance seems misaligned with household services. A more synchronised approach would ease the transition for councils and businesses alike.”
Defra’s Partnership with WRAP
To assist businesses in adapting to these changes, Defra has allocated funding to WRAP (Waste & Resources Action Programme). WRAP has developed a comprehensive Business of Recycling website, offering resources such as:
- Sector-specific guidance for workplaces, schools, and hospitals
- A waste calculator to help estimate collection costs
- Tips on improving waste efficiency
- Moving Towards a Circular Economy
With just months left before implementation, these regulations mark a significant milestone in the UK’s efforts to streamline waste management and achieve environmental goals.