Simpler Recycling Legislation: the timeline for England
The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) have been working on simplifying recycling processes as part of their commitment to moving towards a zero waste, circular economy to create a future when we keep our resources in use for longer and reduce waste.
The Simpler Recycling Legislation changes aim to improve the quantity and quality of materials for recycling as well as reduce the quantity of food and recyclable waste that is landfilled or incinerated.
What is the timeline for introducing the Simpler Recycling Legislation?
By 31 March 2025, businesses and relevant non-domestic premises in England will need to arrange for the collection of the core recyclable waste streams, except for garden waste (glass, metal, plastic, paper and card, and food waste).
- Micro-firms (businesses with fewer than 10 full-time equivalent employees) will be temporarily exempt from this requirement. They will have until 31 March 2027 to arrange for recycling of core recyclable waste streams
By 31 March 2026, local authorities will be required to collect the core recyclable waste streams from all households in England. This includes introducing weekly food waste collections for most homes, unless a transitional arrangement applies.
By 31 March 2027, curbside plastic film collections from businesses and relevant non-domestic premises, and households will be introduced.
What benefits will we see with the Simpler Recycling Legislation?
- Improve recycling rates
- Simplify waste management
- Reduce environmental and societal impacts from waste disposal
- Reduce carbon emissions
- Support the growth of the UK reprocessing industry