Share
Simpler Recycling will reform England’s recycling system, ensuring the same set of materials are recycled, regardless of your location.
Scope
In November 2024, the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs provided an update to the simpler recycling legislation in England.
The default requirement will be four containers for:
-
- Residual (non-recyclable) waste
- Food waste (including garden waste if appropriate)
- Paper and card
- All other dry recyclable materials (plastic, metal and glass).
In practice, this means the Government has confirmed that most dry recyclable materials are permitted to be co-mingled. However, paper and card must be collected separately – a shift from the previous Government’s position.
- There is however local flexibility to co-collect paper and card with other dry materials remains where separate collection is technically or economically impracticable, or provides no significant environmental benefit. In these circumstances, waste collectors will need to produce a short written assessment, explaining their decision.
Timescales:
By 31st March 2025, Simpler Recycling will require the collection of the same materials from all non-household municipal premises (such as hospitality businesses).
Micro firms (businesses with fewer than 10 full-time employees) will be required to collect these materials by 31st March 2027.
