What You Need to Know
The growing environmental crisis has put immense pressure on governments to adopt more effective waste management strategies. Landfills are overflowing, ocean pollution is worsening, and greenhouse gas emissions from waste are contributing to climate change.
The new waste legislation – Simpler Recycling is set to be introduced in England in March 2025. It is aimed at significantly improving waste management practices and reducing environmental impact. This legislation will implement stricter measures across businesses, individuals, and municipalities to promote recycling, reduce landfill waste, and combat plastic pollution.
Key aspects of the legislation include:
1. Mandatory Recycling for Businesses
2. Extended Producer Responsibility
3. Ban on Single-Use Plastics
4. Increased Landfill Taxes
5. Household Waste Separation
One of the most significant changes in the upcoming legislation is the introduction of mandatory recycling for all businesses. Businesses with 10 employees or more must separate plastic, paper and card, glass, metal, and food waste. However, businesses with fewer than 10 employees have until March 2027 to comply.
The new law will require businesses of all sizes to implement recycling programs for materials such as:
Dry Mixed Recycling – Glass, paper, metal, cardboard, plastic
Food Waste – Organic waste from food that needs to be collected separately
Plastic Film – Non-recyclable film
This will reduce the amount of waste sent to landfills and promote resource recovery.
Extended Producer Responsibility is a critical component of the new legislation. Under EPR, manufacturers will be held accountable for the entire lifecycle of their products. This means companies must design products with recyclability in mind, reduce packaging waste, and take responsibility for collecting and recycling their products after use.
Additionally, a ban on single-use plastics will prohibit items such as plastic bags, straws, utensils, and certain food packaging materials. Businesses will be required to transition to sustainable alternatives, such as biodegradable or reusable products.
Another major change is the introduction of higher landfill taxes to discourage landfill use and promote recycling and waste reduction. Both businesses and individuals will face increased costs for disposing of waste in landfills, making it more economical to adopt recycling or composting practices.
The legislation will also require household waste separation, making it mandatory for residents to sort their waste into recyclables, organic waste, and residuals, with penalties for non-compliance. This comprehensive legislation aims to promote a circular economy, reduce waste, and contribute to the UK’s broader environmental sustainability goals.