Simpler Recycling Legislation
What is Simpler Recycling?
Simpler Recycling is a new UK government initiative designed to make recycling easier and more effective. Coming into effect on 31st March 2025, the legislation will introduce mandatory recycling requirements for businesses, schools, public sector organisations, and charities across England.
Under Simpler Recycling, organisations with 10 or more Full-Time Equivalent Employees (FTEs) must separate key recyclable materials—including plastic, paper and card, glass, metal, and food waste—keeping them out of general waste bins. Investing in the right recycling signs now will help businesses, schools and other institutions stay compliant and streamline waste management. This supports the UK's circular economy by reducing contamination and increasing recycling rates, in line with DEFRA’s target of 65%.
By standardising recycling across businesses and households, Simpler Recycling removes confusion over what can and cannot be recycled. Having clearly labelled bins on-site ensures compliance with waste regulations while promoting sustainable waste management.
Legislation Deadlines
The legislation is rolling out in phases, affecting different businesses at different times:
- From 31st March 2025: All businesses and non-domestic premises (such as schools and hospitals) with 10+ FTEs must separate and recycle dry materials and food waste.
- From 31st March 2026: Mandatory weekly food waste collections for households.
- From 31st March 2027: Businesses with less than 10 FTEs (micro-businesses) must also comply.
The FTE criteria applies to the entire business, not individual sites. If your company has multiple small locations but a combined total of 10 or more full-time staff, you must comply in March 2025.
How to Prepare for Simpler Recycling
Non-compliance to the new Simpler Recycling Legislation could result in enforcement action, though penalties have yet to be confirmed. By planning ahead and investing in the right recycling signs, businesses can stay compliant, reduce waste costs, and support the UK’s recycling goals. To ensure compliance, businesses should take the following steps:
The Simpler Recycling legislation requires consistent waste collections across England, meaning businesses and organisations must separate key materials such as paper, cardboard, plastics, metal, and food waste for recycling.
Take a fresh look at how waste is currently sorted and disposed of across your premises. Identify gaps where recyclable materials may be going to general waste.
Display clear signage from the Simpler Recycling Signs range to help everyone understand what goes where. Designed to reflect the new national standards, these signs support easy, compliant waste sorting.
Ensure all recycling and waste bins are clearly labelled to match the new categories. Consistent bin labelling helps prevent contamination and reduces confusion.
Raise awareness through quick training, posters, and prominent signage. Reinforce best practices around waste separation to support long-term compliance.
Explore our extensive range of indoor and outdoor ‘Simpler Recycling’ compliant signs to help your business meet new legislation requirements. With the 31st March 2025 deadline approaching, ensure compliance by shopping our range today.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Does my business need to comply if we have multiple small sites?
- What if my business doesn’t produce food or glass waste?
- Will it cost more to implement Simpler Recycling?
- What happens if we don’t comply?
- Will ‘Simpler Recycling’ affect Schools?