Policy & Compliance
New recycling and waste requirements for businesses
place, regardless of the amount of food produced. Plastic film and green waste are currently exempt from this legislation. Tool-kit The Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (DEFRA) advises that a tool-kit will be made available, including educational material to assist businesses to train their staff on waste collection requirements. However, the tool-kit has yet to be finalised, so in the meantime it is recommended that businesses contact their waste collection company for further guidance. As waste is a devolved matter, each of the four UK nations has slightly different requirements for recycling. These new guidelines are applicable to businesses in England. By embracing DEFRA’s Simpler Recycling reforms, businesses can streamline their waste management processes and contribute to a sustainable future. More information is available on the DEFRA website – scan the QR code, left.
T he UK government has introduced new ‘simpler waste collections and recycling across England requiring businesses to adhere to stricter recycling practices and aiming to clear up confusion over recyclable and non- recyclable materials. At the same time, the rules will standardise recycling practices, reduce landfill waste and tackle illegal waste activities, whilst recycling’ legislation to reform One sustainable business practice that Members can apply for a quick win is the effective management of waste “ By embracing
with less than 10 full time equivalent employees) will have more time and will not be required to comply until 31 March 2027. It will be important for businesses to ensure that materials are separated out to avoid recycling being contaminated by any non- recyclable materials (residual waste), the non-hazardous waste that cannot be re-used or recycled and is left once the recyclable waste has been separated. Therefore, businesses should plan to have three waste streams: • Dry recycling • Food waste • Residual (non-recyclable) waste. To ensure compliance, it is understood that businesses will continue to have the option to mix dry recyclables. However, it is important to note that disposing of food waste in the general waste bin will now be strictly prohibited and businesses will need to have separate food waste collections in
DEFRA’s Simpler Recycling reforms, businesses can streamline their waste manage- ment processes
promoting a more sustainable and environmentally conscious society. Separating recyclables Businesses with 10 employees or more will be required to separate dry recyclables (glass, paper, card, metals, plastics) and ensure that food waste is collected separately, regardless of the amount produced. These separate dry recycling and food waste collections need to be implemented by 31 March 2025, although micro-businesses (those
14 | October 2024
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