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Is your business ready for ‘Simpler Recycling’?
Joanne Gilliard, CEO at Jangro, helps organisations gear up for the upcoming ‘Simpler Recycling’ legislation with expert advice and guidance.
Recycling has evolved significantly over the past few decades, becoming a cornerstone of modern environmental efforts. As awareness of sustainability issues continues to grow, so does the emphasis on recycling as a means to reduce waste, conserve natural resources and mitigate pollution.
In response to the growing need for more effective recycling systems, the UK government is set to introduce new ‘Simpler Recycling’ legislation. The goal is to increase recycling rates, reduce contamination and promote more sustainable waste management practices. The new rules aim to simplify the guidelines for sorting and disposing of recyclable materials, ensuring that more items are properly recycled and fewer end up in landfill.
Effective from 31 March 2025, all commercial facilities in England – including healthcare establishments and academic institutions – with more than 10 full-time employees will have to ensure that they offer multi-stream recyclable waste at the point of collection for processing. These new regulations will mean that ‘recycling relevant waste’ from businesses cannot be sent for disposal unless it can be shown to have gone through a treatment process. Dry recyclables (which can be grouped together), food waste and general waste must be separated on site, prior to collection. Non-compliance with this new law could lead to significant fines.
From 31 March 2027, this legislation will extend to businesses with fewer than 10 full-time employees. Additionally, plastic film must also be separated for recycling from this date.
Challenges
One major concern for businesses about this legislation is the perceived cost of upgrading waste management infrastructure. However, the reality is quite the opposite – it can actually be beneficial for the bottom line. Data indicates that efficient recycling systems can actually reduce overall waste management expenses.
Another common worry is that employees and customers might struggle with the new guidelines, leading to unintentional non-compliance and contamination of recyclable materials. Businesses in sectors like hospitality, catering, leisure and retail face additional challenges due to their busy environments and diverse waste streams. High waste volumes during peak hours, space constraints for multiple recycling bins and maintaining hygiene while managing organic waste are significant considerations. Prioritising staff training and strategic bin placement is essential to address these issues effectively.
26 | TOMORROW'S CLEANING Implementing simpler recycling
Successfully implementing the new Simpler Recycling legislation requires a planned approach. Firstly, perform a thorough waste audit to understand your existing waste streams and pinpoint key collection areas. Use this resulting data to develop your implementation plan. Strategically place and clearly label recycling stations to ensure that recyclable materials are disposed of correctly.
Engaging waste management experts early on can help align your strategy with both the regulations and your operational needs. Providing targeted staff training is crucial to ensure that everyone understands the new guidelines and the importance of adhering to them. Starting preparations well in advance of the compliance deadline allows ample time for adjustments and fine-tuning.
While the transition to simpler recycling practices may initially present some challenges, the benefits make it a worthwhile endeavour. Standardising recycling can lead to higher recycling rates, reduced waste disposal costs and improved operational efficiency. Additionally, businesses committed to sustainability can enhance their brand reputation and appeal to environmentally conscious consumers. At the same time, increased recycling contributes to conserving natural resources, reducing greenhouse gas emissions and decreasing landfill waste, promoting a healthier planet.
By understanding the new legislation, addressing common concerns and implementing a strategic plan, businesses can successfully navigate these changes and contribute to a more sustainable future.
www.jangro.net
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