Work Place Recycling Regulations - 31st March 2025

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Workplace Recycling Revolution: Are You Ready for March 31st, 2025?

Get ready for a major shift in how your business handles waste! Starting March 31st, 2025, new legislation will require most workplaces in England to separate their recyclable materials from general waste. This means saying goodbye to the old "one bin fits all" approach and embracing a more organized, environmentally friendly, compliant system.  The new rules are outlined below, but for further details, please read Simpler recycling: workplace recycling in England from Gov.ukWell organised recycle bins

Why the Change?

This new law aims to make recycling easier and more efficient, both at work and at home. By simplifying the rules and ensuring everyone recycles the same materials, we can boost recycling rates, reduce pollution, and create a greener future.   

How To Comply With The Recycling Rules: What You Need To Do

  1. Separate Your Waste: You'll need to provide separate bins for different types of waste. The main categories are:   

    • Dry Recyclables: This includes paper, cardboard, plastic, metal, and glass. You may need separate bins for paper/cardboard and another for the rest, depending on your waste collector.   
    • Food Waste: All workplaces, even those without a canteen, will need to separate food waste.   
    • General Waste: This is for everything that can't be recycled.

  2. Work with Your Waste Collector: Talk to your waste collection company to understand their specific requirements. They can provide guidance on bin types, collection schedules, and any materials they collect separately (like glass).

  3. Get the Right Bins: Ensure you have enough bins of the correct type and size. They should be clearly labelled and placed in convenient locations around your workplace.

  4. Educate Your Staff: Help your employees understand the new rules and how to use the bins correctly. Clear signage and regular reminders can make a big difference.   


Recycle Bin Basics: A Quick Guide

  • Paper and Cardboard: This bin is for newspapers, magazines, cardboard boxes, and other paper-based items. Make sure items are dry and free from contamination (like food or grease).
  • Plastic, Metal, and Glass: This bin is for plastic bottles and containers, metal cans and foil, and glass jars and bottles. Rinse items before placing them in the bin.
  • Food Waste: This bin is for all food scraps, leftovers, and peelings. You may need to line this bin with a compostable bag.
  • General Waste: This bin is for anything that can't be recycled, such as crisp packets, sweet wrappers, and polystyrene.

Important Notes:

  • Small Businesses: If you have fewer than 10 employees, you have until March 31st, 2027, to comply. But it's a good idea to start early!   
  • Contamination: Contamination (like food residue on packaging) can ruin a whole batch of recycling. So, always make sure items are clean and dry before putting them in the recycling bin.

Every Business and non-domestic premisis has a 'duty of care' to dispose of its waste correctly, you can read more about this from the Gov.uk website Dispose of business or commercial waste

Let's Get Recycling!

By following these simple steps, your workplace can play its part in creating a more sustainable future. With a little effort and organisation, we can all make a big difference!

Remember: This is just a general overview. Always check with your waste collector for specific requirements and guidance.