Simpler Recycling in England

To tackle the growing problem of contamination caused by mixing different materials in one recycling bin, the Government (through Defra) is introducing new rules for businesses in England. Under the ‘Simpler Recycling’ initiative, businesses will be required to separate their waste into clear categories. Are you ready for the change?

Simpler Recycling explained

The Government’s Simpler Recycling policy is bringing big changes to business recycling rules in England. In practice, it is very similar to the Workplace Recycling Law already in effect in Wales. From 31 March 2025, businesses will need to separate recycling into the same categories as households, with households themselves following from March 2026.

The aim of Simpler Recycling is to:

Make recycling easier for everyone.
Help England reach its environmental targets.
Reduce confusion caused by different local rules.
Make sure more waste is actually recycled and not sent to landfill.

Read the full policy paper for details of the guidelines

What does this mean
for your business?

If you’re a business in England with 10 or more employees*, you’ll need to:

Review your current recycling process – putting everything into one bin or skip will no longer be allowed. A key issue has been mixing paper and card with plastics, cans, and other recyclables, which leads to contamination.
Segregate materials properly – keep paper and cardboard separate from other dry mixed recycling (plastics, metals, etc.).
Get ready for compliance checks – rules will start to be enforced from 31 March 2025.

*Small businesses (fewer than 10 full-time equivalent employees) have until 31 March 2027 to comply with the new recycling rules.

Book a free Simpler Recycling Waste Audit to find the right solution for your business!

For many businesses the result is:

More bins, more contamination, more collections, less space, higher costs …

Avoid yet another bin!
Recycle simpler with Mil-tek

Say goodbye to more bins, overflowing bins and inefficient waste systems. With Mil-tek balers, you can compact cardboard and plastics directly on-site, transforming your waste management process.

Why choose on-site recycling with Mil-tek?

Take control: No more watching your carefully sorted recyclables get mixed during collection. Keep recycling where it belongs – under your control.
Stay compliant: Easily meet new government waste regulations with efficient, on-site solutions.
Boost your green credentials: Show your commitment to sustainability with a streamlined, eco-conscious waste strategy.
Cut costs and save space: Reduce waste management expenses and reclaim valuable floor space by replacing bulky bins and skips with compact balers.

Bale your cardboard and plastic on site – and save time and money!

By baling your waste on site, you can:

Save time by baling rather than flattening boxes – watch the video to see how much time you could save!
Take advantage of low cost or even free recycling of baled cardboard by a local recycler.
Remove costly contamination costs of non-recyclables in your mixed recycling waste stream.
Ensure a tidy ‘recycling area’ with bales rather than loose card flying around or overflowing from small bins or skips.