The countdown is on for businesses across England as the deadline for the new Simpler Recycling reforms fast approaches. With just a few weeks remaining, businesses must ensure they have the correct waste separation systems in place before the 31 March 2025 deadline to avoid potential fines from Defra.
While Defra has yet to specify the exact penalties, the message is clear: non-compliance will not be tolerated. Businesses that do not meet the new regulations could face compliance notices and fines, making it imperative to act now rather than wait until the last minute.
Who is affected?
The new Simpler Recycling rules apply to any business in England with 10 or more full-time employees. This includes all businesses, regardless of how many employees are present on-site at any given time. For example, if a company operates across two locations with five employees at each, it still falls under the scope of the regulations.
Additionally, responsibility for compliance doesn’t just fall on business owners. Landlords and facilities management companies presenting waste on behalf of businesses may also be issued compliance notices.
What are the new requirements?
Businesses must now have separate bins and collections for specific types of waste:
- Food waste
- Cardboard and paper (these can be combined)
- Dry recycling (plastic, metal, and glass) (these can also be combined)
- General waste (for materials that do not fit into the above categories)
This means businesses can no longer dispose of food waste, recyclable materials, or paper with general waste. Instead, they must work with waste management providers to ensure their waste is correctly separated and collected.
What happens if you don’t comply?
Defra has made it clear that enforcement will take place. While they haven’t yet set out specific fines, businesses that fail to comply will receive compliance notices, potentially leading to penalties if corrective action isn’t taken swiftly.
With limited time left, companies must act now to ensure they are fully prepared. Failing to put the right waste management systems in place before the deadline could lead to unnecessary stress, operational disruptions, and financial penalties.
Why businesses should act now
Grant Keenan, Managing Director of Keenan Recycling, warns against last-minute compliance efforts: “We are always here for businesses to help them comply with the new food waste regulations, as it can be daunting for business owners to take it all in. It would benefit us all if businesses approached us earlier and not leave it to the last minute, as we may not be able to support them and allocate resources for multiple locations and bins, especially.”
Waiting until the final days before the deadline means businesses risk struggling to find suitable waste management solutions. Waste management providers like Keenan Recycling anticipate an increase in demand, and companies that leave it too late may find it difficult to secure the necessary bins and collection services in time.
How Keenan Recycling can help
At Keenan Recycling, we specialise in helping businesses transition to Simpler Recycling compliance with minimal disruption. Our expert team provides:
- Guidance on regulatory compliance – helping businesses understand what they need to do.
- Tailored waste management solutions – ensuring businesses have the correct bins and collections in place.
- Reliable and efficient collection services – ensuring waste is handled correctly and sustainably.
We urge businesses to get in touch as soon as possible to discuss their waste management needs and secure the necessary services before the March 31 deadline.
With the deadline looming, businesses must act immediately to comply with the new Simpler Recycling regulations. If you haven’t yet made arrangements for separate waste collections, now is the time to do so.
