What is the Simpler Recycling scheme?

The Simpler Recycling scheme is set to bring a fresh approach to how England handles waste collection and recycling.

From March 31, 2025, companies with 10 employees or more will be the first to roll out the scheme, which aims to make recycling easier and more consistent for households, businesses, and institutions.

With a stricter set of rules, including weekly food waste collections, Simpler Recycling is a significant shift in how the country manages waste.

Here’s what you need to know to prepare for these changes and make the most of the opportunities they present.

Simpler Recycling: A quick overview

The Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (Defra) is launching the Simpler Recycling scheme to make recycling practices consistent across the UK. It was designed so households and businesses understand what can and cannot be recycled and to improve recycling rates.

Standardization of recyclable materials

One of the main features of the Simpler Recycling reforms is the push for a nationwide list of recyclable materials. Currently, what’s considered recyclable varies from council to council, leading to confusion among households and businesses.

Simpler Recycling aims to establish a clear, uniform list of accepted recyclables that will apply across England. The six recyclable waste streams outlined in the Simpler Recycling scheme are as follows:

• Plastic: Includes plastic bottles, containers, and packaging that can be recycled (excluding plastic film packaging and plastic bags in the early phases)
• Paper & cardboard: Includes office paper, cardboard boxes, and packaging materials
• Glass: Covers glass bottles and jars
• Metals: Includes aluminium cans, steel tins, and foil
• Food waste: Biodegradable food waste from households and businesses
• Garden waste: Grass clippings, leaves, and other organic garden materials (primarily collected from households and may be able to sort with food waste)

It may not be necessary for every home and business to separate waste into each individual stream. This will likely be four bins: one for residual waste; one for food waste; one for glass; and one for paper, card, plastic, and metal (dry recycling). Some councils or private services may allow you to include glass with your dry recycling, while some may require cardboard to be kept separate.

Introduction of weekly food waste collections

Food waste has been a significant contributor to landfill volumes, and the new scheme mandates weekly food waste collections for households and certain businesses. By providing separate food waste bins, councils aim to divert biodegradable waste from landfills, where it produces methane, a potent greenhouse gas.

This food waste will instead be processed in anaerobic digesters to generate biogas and compost, supporting a circular approach to organic waste management.

OPINION: Food waste is valuable and should be recycled now

Timeline for implementation

The government has set a phased timeline to roll out the Simpler Recycling scheme across England.

By March 31, 2025: All businesses and non-household premises with 10 or more full-time equivalent employees must separate recyclable materials—such as plastic, paper & card, glass, metals (cans, tins, and foil), and food waste—from general waste.

By March 31, 2026: Local authorities are required to collect all six recyclable waste streams (excluding plastic film) from all households.

By March 31, 2027: Micro-firms (businesses with fewer than 10 full-time equivalent employees) must comply with the same separation requirements, including the addition of plastic film, plastic packaging, and plastic bags.

Preparing for the transition

The Simpler Recycling scheme’s rollout represents a significant shift for homes, businesses, councils, and waste collectors alike. But surprisingly, a recent study found that 64% of England’s businesses are still unprepared.

To ensure a smooth transition, everyone must take proactive steps to align with the new standards.

Assess current waste management practices

The first step is a full review of your current waste management processes. Identify which waste streams your business generates the most, such as mixed recyclables, food waste, or construction materials.

Evaluate how well these streams are currently segregated and where improvements can be made. A waste audit can reveal inefficiencies and areas that need immediate attention to comply with the scheme’s requirements.

Upgrade infrastructure and processes

This may mean investing in onsite machinery like paper and card balers or providing clients with clearer instructions on what can and cannot go into recycling. Food waste will require separate bins with a tight lid to prevent smells.

Businesses handling construction and demolition waste should seize the opportunity to review their sustainability efforts.

• Are glass windows being repurposed for other projects?
• Is plastic being handled by sustainable providers that recycle and send non-recyclable plastic to energy-from-waste facilities?
• Could more hardcore waste be diverted from landfill by sending it to waste wash plants to recycle into aggregates?

Train staff and educate customers

Success under the Simpler Recycling scheme relies heavily on people understanding the rules. Training staff on proper waste segregation practices and the new guidelines will reduce contamination and ensure compliance.

For customers, clear communication—whether through guides, emails, or signage—will make it easier for them to comply with your updated policies.

Partner with forward-thinking waste providers

Collaboration is key. Partnering with waste providers who are already adapting to the scheme can make compliance easier for your business.

Look for providers offering specialized recycling solutions, such as managing complex construction materials. Providers that invest in sustainability can help future-proof your waste strategy.

Stay ahead of the curve

Although the deadline for full implementation is 2025, acting early will give your business an advantage. Plus, aligning your operations with the scheme ahead of time allows you to market your services as environmentally conscious, attracting eco-focused clients.

With the right preparation, businesses can not only meet the new requirements but also improve efficiency, reduce costs, and strengthen their reputation as sustainability leaders.

Embracing the future of recycling

The Simpler Recycling scheme is more than just a regulatory change—it’s a chance for businesses to rethink how they handle waste and contribute to a more sustainable future. By standardizing recycling practices and introducing mandatory food waste collections, the scheme offers a clear pathway to reduce landfill reliance, cut costs, and enhance efficiency.

Whether it’s upgrading sorting systems, adopting new processes for food waste collections, or communicating changes to staff and clients, the steps you take now will define your success as the 2025 deadline approaches.

Navigating these changes doesn’t have to be overwhelming. With decades of experience in skip hire, recycling, and waste management, SunEnviro is here to help your business stay ahead of the curve. From tailored waste solutions to cutting-edge recycling technologies, we’re committed to making waste management seamless and sustainable for businesses like yours.

Contact our team of friendly experts today to find out how SunEnviro can support your transition to compliance and set your business up for long-term success.