Simpler Recycling: What businesses need to know

The government's Simpler Recycling policy determines how businesses manage their waste and recycling.

All businesses should review their current waste arrangements and make sure they're prepared for the new requirements coming into force on 31 March 2027

Key new requirements

• Food, recycling and general waste must all be separated and collected separately.  Businesses that produce food, recycling and general waste will need to have appropriate arrangements in place for their separate collection. 

• Small amounts of food waste still need to be separated. Even if your business produces only a small amount of food waste, you should ensure that appropriate arrangements are in place. 

• Microbusinesses will need to comply from 31 March 2027. This applies to businesses with fewer than 10 full-time equivalent employees. 

• Contamination should be avoided. Incorrect materials placed in recycling or food waste containers may result in collection issues. 

• Businesses are responsible for their waste arrangements. You should make sure that your waste containers and collection services are suitable for the type and amount of waste your business produces. 

• Legal and financial penalties for failing to comply. Failure to comply with the Simpler Recycling legislation may result in enforcement action and potential financial penalties from the relevant environmental enforcement authorities. 

Food waste collections 

If your business produces food waste, you should review how food waste is currently disposed of. 

Food waste can include: 

• tea bags and coffee grounds 

• fruit and vegetable peelings 

• Ssmall quantities of leftover food 

• sandwich crusts and other food scraps.

Where appropriate, smaller businesses may be able to use a 23-litre food waste caddy instead of a larger 140 litre food waste container. 

Preparing your business 

1. Review the types and quantities of waste your business produces. 

2. Check whether food waste is currently being separated from general waste. 

3. Make sure recyclable materials are being placed in the correct containers. 

4. Check that employees and cleaning staff understand which waste goes into each container. 

5. Review the size and number of waste containers currently provided. 

6. Consider whether additional or alternative containers are required. 

7. Ensure waste is presented correctly for collection. 

Avoid contamination 

Putting the wrong waste into a recycling or food waste container can contaminate the waste and may result in your waste being rejected and affect its ability to be recycled. 

Businesses should ensure that all staff, cleaners and contractors understand and follow the correct waste seperation and disposal procedures. 

What do I need to do now? 

Please review your current waste and recycling arrangements. 

If you need to set up a separate food waste collection or change your existing service, email tradewaste@hillingdon.gov.uk and we'll be happy to review your requirements and help.