Simpler Recycling Legislation in England

Discover how the new Simpler Recycling legislation will transform recycling in England by standardising the collection of waste materials and introducing separate food waste collections.

Simpler Recycling L&S Waste Management
Simpler Recycling L&S Waste Management

What is simpler recycling?

On 21 October 2023, the UK Government introduced the new Simpler Recycling legislation to reform waste collections and recycling across England. This new regulation aims to clear up confusion over recyclable and non-recyclable materials, standardise recycling practices for homes, workplaces, and schools, reduce landfill waste, and tackle illegal waste activities, promoting a more sustainable and environmentally conscious society.

What are the new recycling requirements?

Under the new Simpler Recycling legislation, businesses with 10 employees and more must separate dry recyclables into dedicated containers and ensure food waste is collected separately, regardless of the amount produced, starting from March 2025. Businesses with fewer than 10 employees have time until March 2027 to comply.

Local authorities will also be required to comply with the new Simpler Recycling reforms for waste collected from households from March 2026, providing more consistent recycling and waste collection services, including weekly food waste collections.

Simpler Recycling L&S Waste Management
Simpler Recycling L&S Waste Management

Standardised recycling materials

Simpler Recycling L&S Waste Management
Simpler Recycling L&S Waste Management

Separate food waste for collection

Simpler Recycling L&S Waste Management
Simpler Recycling L&S Waste Management

Separate dry mixed recyclables

Simple Recycling Timeline

By Autumn 2024 Government will issue finalised guidance on the detail of the requirements.

NON-HOUSEHOLD PREMISES

(Businesses, Hospitals, Schools)

Simpler Recycling L&S Waste Management

By 31 March 2025

Mandatory collections for dry recyclable materials (glass, paper, card, metals, plastics) and separate weekly food waste collections (which can be combined with garden waste)

Simpler Recycling L&S Waste Management

By 31 March 2027

Inclusion of plastic film packaging and plastic bags in the plastic waste stream

Simpler Recycling L&S Waste Management

By 31 March 2027

Micro-businesses with fewer than 10 employees must recycle all specified waste stream

HOUSEHOLD PREMISES

Simpler Recycling L&S Waste Management

By 31 March 2026

Mandatory collections for dry recyclable materials (glass, paper, card, metals, plastics) and separate weekly food waste collections (which can be combined with garden waste)

Simpler Recycling L&S Waste Management

By 31 March 2027

Inclusion of plastic film packaging and plastic bags in the plastic waste stream

LANDFILL TAX & SIMPLER RECYCLING

Following the 2024 Spring Budget announcement, landfill tax rates in England will see a significant rise from April 2025. The standard rate will increase by over 20%, and the lower rate for inert waste will rise by 22.7%. The higher costs are intended to incentivise businesses and local authorities to reduce landfill use and invest in more sustainable waste management solutions.

We will always try and avoid sending waste to landfill but for some treatment residues and residual waste, landfill may be the only available option. By standardising recycling practices and introducing separate collections for food and dry recyclables, the new Simpler Recycling legislation can support businesses and local authorities to more easily divert waste from landfills reducing the volume of waste that incurs the higher landfill tax rates.

Simpler Recycling L&S Waste Management

The L&S Solution

Managing this can be challenging, but L&S Waste Management has the solution.

We provide specialised front-end loader bins or dedicated skips to make waste separation easy and efficient.

Our system ensures your team can separate waste quickly, keeping your site compliant and organised.

And with our digital waste tracking platform, you’ll have full visibility of every load. Track what’s collected, access reports, and download waste transfer notes directly from your device.

We ensure your construction waste is processed responsibly, diverting it from landfills and supporting your sustainability goals.

Partner with L&S Waste Management to simplify your recycling process and stay ahead of regulatory changes.

Simpler Recycling L&S Waste Management

L&S SERVICES

Skip & Container hire

A wide range of skips and containers.
Go >

Caged Van Collection

For virtually any type of light bulky waste removal.
Go >

Vacuum Road Brush

The ultimate cleaning and litter removal solution.
Go >

Volumetric Concrete

High quality Ready Mixed Concrete.
Go >

Simpler Recycling L&S Waste Management
Simpler Recycling L&S Waste Management

Groundworks – Footings – House – Extension – Barn
Go >

Aggregates & Soils

Quality range of primary and recycled materials.
Go >

Big Yellow Bags

Cost effective and convenient waste removal solution.
Go >

Recycling Sites

Full disposal services for Registered Carriers of waste.
Go >

Concrete Line Pump

Fast and efficient Concrete Line Pumping service.
Go >

Simpler Recycling L&S Waste Management

Join our Newsletter

    Grabs & Tippers

    Soil, rubble and mixed waste grabs.
    Go >

    L&S Blocks

    Multi purpose interlocking blocks for various applications.
    Go >

    Click & Collect

    Get a quote for any light bulky waste removal.
    Go >

    Loo Hire

    Great value portable toilet hire.
    Go >