Simpler Recycling: A Guide to the New Workplace Waste Rules in England

As of 31st March 2025, recycling responsibilities for businesses across England changed. At Diamond Catering Supplies we’re here to help you stay compliant, organised, and sustainable. Whether you manage a café, office, restaurant or retail space, the new Simpler Recycling legislation requires all workplaces to separate recyclable waste correctly. 

In this guide, we break down what the changes mean, how to implement them, and which products can help make the transition smooth and stress-free.

What Is Simpler Recycling?

Simpler Recycling is a new nationwide policy introduced by DEFRA (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs) as part of the Government’s wider Resources and Waste Strategy. Its goal is to reduce contamination, increase recycling rates, and help the UK reach its 65% recycling target.

Since 31st March 2025, all businesses, public sector organisations, and charities with 10 or more full-time equivalent (FTE) employees have been required separate specific types of recyclable waste before collection. Micro-businesses (those with fewer than 10 FTEs) will have until March 2027 to comply.

♻️ What Materials Must Be Separated?♻️

Workplaces are now required to separate their waste into three categories:

♻️ Dry recyclables:

• Glass packaging (bottles, jars)
• Plastics (bottles, tubs, trays)

• Metals (tins, cans, foil, aerosols)
• Paper & card (excluding glittered, laminated, or padded items)

♻️ Food waste:

• Leftovers, fruit & veg peels, tea bags, coffee grounds
• Inedible waste such as bones or eggshells

♻️ Residual (non-recyclable) waste:

• Tissues
• Polystyrene
• Compostable plastics
• Glassware
• Ceramics
• Batteries

Who Will Be Affected?

If your business has 10 or more FTE employees, these regulations already apply to you. This includes:

• Food, takeaway and hospitality venues
• Offices and care settings
• Retail stores, schools, and warehouses
• Factories, events and public buildings

If your business employs fewer than 10 FTEs, you’ll need to comply by March 2027, but switching early means you can futureproof your setup, reduce last minute stress, and boost your recycling performance straight away.

How to Prepare: Steps for Smooth Compliance

1. Audit Your Waste

Start with a simple waste audit. Monitor the waste your business produces over one week by: weight, volume, or photo evidence. This will help you understand the containers and collection schedule you’ll need.

2. Will You Need to Provide Your Own Bins?

In most cases, yes. Especially if your business uses a private waste contractor. While some councils may offer basic support such as starter bins or signage, most businesses are expected to source their own compliant containers.

To stay compliant:

• Use colour-coded bins (e.g. blue for paper/card, green for glass, brown for food waste)
• Ensure bins are appropriately sized, clearly labelled, and placed in key locations
• Coordinate with neighbouring businesses in shared premises to ensure proper communal setup
• Speak with your waste provider, they may supply bins or recommend options that suit your site layout

Getting this infrastructure right from the start will boost staff compliance and reduce the risk of contamination.

3. Choose the Right Recycling Solutions

Having the right bins and containers makes compliance easier. At Diamond Catering Supplies, we offer a wide range of colour-coded and purpose-built bins, including:

• Recycling Bins in various sizes for dry recyclables
• Rubbermaid Slim JimRecycling Stations – compact & clearly labelled for separating recyclables
• Colour-coded Swing Bins – practical for high-traffic or back-of-house areas
• General Bins & Containers – for custom setups that meet your exact needs

3. Educate and Involve Your Team

Hold a team briefing to introduce the new system. Provide simple how-to guides and make sure everyone, including temporary staff and cleaning teams, understands their role in recycling compliance. Use clear signage, posters and stickers to guide proper waste sorting.

4. Align Indoor and Outdoor Collection Points

Make sure the bins you use inside your premises match those used for external collection. This reduces confusion, boosts recycling rates and prevents contamination that could lead to rejected collections.

5. Don’t Wait Until the Last Minute

From April 2025, the Environment Agency have been able to issue compliance notices to businesses that fail to follow the rules. Acting early gives you time to assess, order equipment, and train staff, reducing the risk of fines and improving sustainability credentials.

Why Shop with Diamond Catering Supplies?

Our selection of bins and recycling solutions is curated to help foodservice, education, healthcare and retail businesses meet the new rules confidently.

Whether you need space-saving bins, colour-coded options, or robust containers for high-use environments, we’ve got the right tools for your needs. Our product specialists are here to advise on the best solution for your workplace waste stream.

Conclusion

The Simpler Recycling legislation represents a major shift for English businesses but with the right preparation and products, it’s an opportunity to make your operations more sustainable, efficient and compliant. At Diamond Catering Supplies, we’ve got the products and know-how to help your business rise to the challenge.

Explore our full Waste Management range today and make sure your workplace is compliant and ready for the future.

Sources: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/simpler-recycling-workplace-recycling-in-england
https://www.veolia.co.uk/services/waste-management/simpler-recycling
https://www.veolia.co.uk/sites/g/files/dvc1681/files/document/2025/03/Simpler%20Recycling%20Guide_1.pdf
https://sustainablebusinessmagazine.net/sustainablebusinessadvice/simpler-recycling-legislation-business-guide/
https://dura-id.com/2025/02/28/defras-simpler-recycling-legislation/