Simpler recycling

The government’s Simpler Recycling reforms introduced under the Environment Act 2021, require all businesses and non-domestic premises to recycle a core set of recyclable materials (plastics, metals, glass, paper, card and food waste) across England.

From Monday 31 March 2025 businesses will need to arrange for the separate collection of the following materials:

• Glass, metals, plastics and cartons
• Cardboard and paper
• Food waste
• Residual waste (everything that cannot be recycled)

The new laws apply to all businesses, healthcare establishments and academic institutions, but small businesses with fewer than 10 full-time employees are temporarily exempt until 31 March 2027.

All businesses must comply with the new regulations regardless of the volume of material generated. There is no minimum weight required before the new regulations apply.

Businesses should speak to their existing commercial waste supplier to discuss arrangements for separate food waste and recycling collections.

Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council does not operate a commercial waste collection service.

For more information visit the Waste and Resources Action Programme (WRAP) business recycling website.