Simpler Recycling in England legislation is now in effect
New waste separation laws for English businesses came into force 31st March 2025. If you haven’t got compliant yet, here’s everything you need to know and do.
What’s changed?
‘Simpler Recycling in England’ came into force on 31 March 2025. All workplaces (businesses and non-domestic premises) over 10 employees in England must separate waste as:
• mixed recyclable materials – plastic, metal, glass
• paper and card
• food waste
• residual (non-recyclable) waste
Waste management firms are permitted to collect ‘paper & card’ with the other mixed recyclable materials as one waste stream (known as dry mixed recyclables). Check with your waste management company how they will be collecting your recyclable materials.
How to prepare
- WASTE AUDIT
Walk your site with a list of the new waste streams in hand. Identify what’s generated where, noting high output areas like kitchens, printers and breakout spaces. This audit will help you to plan bin placement as well as collection service needs. - WASTE MANAGEMENT COLLECTIONS
Find out what waste streams are already collected from your business and arrange for any you don’t have. Check how recyclables will be separated with your waste management provider: as one (mixed recyclables), or as two (paper and card, and plastic, metal and glass). - POINT OF DISPOSAL
Using your waste audit, plan and implement any new bins needed. We are here to help, but if you know what you need: head to our product pages to order bins, generate quotes or create pro-forma invoices. - COMMUNICATE YOUR CAMPAIGN
Ensure staff and cleaners are made aware of the incoming legislation and your new recycling changes. Upping your recycling game is good for the planet and your company’s image.
FAQ’s
HOW MANY STATIONS DO I NEED?
Your waste audit should answer this question. Some areas may require one bin and others may need all four. If you’re unsure, give us a call or drop us an email and we’d be happy to advise you.
DO I NEED A UBIN OR A UBIN MINI?
At 70L the Ubin is designed to be the default option for most businesses. Our Ubin mini is 50L so ideal for smaller spaces and areas with lower waste output. If you are unsure which size to go for, we recommend ordering a pilot station to check it fits the requirement perfectly.
WHAT WILL THIS COST?
A four-bin station will cost between £180 and £266 depending on whether you choose the Ubin or Ubin mini.
WHAT IF I ALREADY HAVE RECYCLING BINS?
The new legislation is an opportunity to review your existing recycling strategy and sharpen up where necessary. The nation is upping their recycling game, be sure your recycling campaign is up to date and does your brand justice.
WHAT IF I DON’T COMPLY WITH THE REGULATIONS?
If you have not complied with these requirements by 31 March 2025, you are at risk of receiving a compliance notice from the Environment Agency. It is an offence to fail to comply with a compliance notice.
Need help?
If you need some guidance, drop our team an email or give us a call. We’d love to hear from you.
support@zeff.com
01174032388
Why choose Zeff?
Bins crafted from 100% recycled materials.
Award-winning designs that work beautifully.
Engineering excellence meets environmental responsibility.
Personal, transparent service from people who care.
Minimalist design
Maximum green credentials
Helping you choose a greener future
Sustainable Materials
Our bins are made of 100% post-consumer recycled plastic, with some post-industrial recycled elements.
Minimal Carbon Footprint
It’s not just what we’re made of – we also keep our footprint low by producing our bins within the UK.
Lifecycle Responsibility
Our responsibility doesn’t end when a bin is bought. We evaluate the full lifecycle impact of every component – and all of our bins are fully recyclable.