Simpler Recycling — formally the Recycling Consistency Regulations — requires all businesses, charities, and non-domestic premises in England to arrange for the separate collection of recyclable waste. If you operate a workplace, factory, restaurant, shop, or any other non-domestic premises, this regulation applies to you.
Here is what you need to know, what you need to do, and how this connects to the wider packaging regulatory picture.
What does Simpler Recycling require?
From 31 March 2025, all non-domestic premises in England must arrange for the following recyclable materials to be collected separately from general waste:
- Paper and card
- Glass
- Metal (cans and tins)
- Plastic (bottles, pots, tubs, and trays)
- Food waste (for premises producing food waste)
From 31 March 2027, the requirements extend to include:
- Plastic film and flexible packaging
- Cartons (e.g., Tetra Pak)
Dry recyclable materials (paper, glass, metal, plastic) can be collected together in a single mixed recycling stream — they do not need to be separated into individual materials at your premises. However, food waste must be collected separately from dry recyclables.
Who is affected?
The regulations apply to all non-domestic premises in England, including:
- Offices, co-working spaces, and business parks
- Retail shops, supermarkets, and shopping centres
- Restaurants, cafes, pubs, hotels, and food service businesses
- Factories, warehouses, and industrial premises
- Schools, universities, hospitals, and public buildings
- Charities, community organisations, and places of worship
There are limited exemptions where it can be demonstrated that separate collection is not technically or economically practicable, or where the quality of recycled material would not be improved by separate collection. However, these exemptions are expected to be narrowly applied and businesses should not assume they qualify.
How does this connect to pEPR and RAM?
Simpler Recycling is not directly part of pEPR, but it has significant indirect implications:
- Expanded collection improves RAM ratings: As more materials are collected at kerbside and from businesses, packaging that previously failed RAM Stage 2 (Collection) may pass it. This is particularly relevant for flexible plastic films, which will be collected from 2027.
- Better collection supports recycling targets: Higher collection rates increase the supply of recyclable material to UK reprocessors, strengthening the end markets assessed at RAM Stage 5.
- Compliance creates business opportunities: Businesses need waste collection services, recycling containers, signage, and advice. Service providers in the FuturePack directory can help you set up compliant collection systems.
What should you do?
If you have not already arranged separate recycling collection at your premises, take these steps:
- Review your current waste arrangements: Check whether your existing waste contractor already offers separate recycling collection. Many do, but you may need to add food waste collection if it is not currently included.
- Set up collection points: Provide clearly labelled recycling bins in appropriate locations. Staff awareness is critical — if people do not understand the system, contamination rates will be high and the recycling will be worthless.
- Brief your team: Communicate the changes and why they matter. A short briefing on what goes where can significantly improve recycling quality.
- Keep records: Maintain records of your recycling arrangements, including your waste contractor details and the materials collected. These may be requested by your local authority or the Environment Agency.
- Plan for 2027: If you generate significant quantities of plastic film or cartons, start thinking about how you will collect these separately from March 2027.