
Simpler Recycling: What Recycling Businesses Need to Know
What is Simpler Recycling?
Simpler Recycling is a government initiative aimed at making waste collection and recycling across England more consistent and efficient. Its primary goal is to eliminate confusion and boost recycling rates by standardising the materials collected from households and businesses.
In 2023, the Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (DEFRA) conducted a consultation on the planned Simpler Recycling system. In 2024, DEFRA published the findings, highlighting the aim to create a uniform recycling process across England. This reform ensures that everyone, whether at home, work, or school, can recycle the same materials, ending the confusion and uncertainty about what can and cannot be recycled in different areas.
Which Businesses Does Simpler Recycling Apply To?
The impact of Simpler Recycling varies depending on a business's size and activities. Businesses with multiple premises and more than 10 full-time equivalent employees must segregate dry mixed recycling (glass, paper and card, metal) and food waste, arranging suitable collection services by March 31, 2025.
Microbusinesses, defined as those with fewer than 10 FTE employees, are exempt from these requirements until March 31, 2027. However, adopting these practices ahead of the legal deadline is recommended as a proactive sustainability measure.
What Are Businesses New Responsibilities?
Under the new default workplace requirements introduced in November 2024, businesses must ensure the provision of four designated containers for waste collection and recycling. These containers are for:
- Residual (non-recyclable) waste
- Food waste (combined with garden waste where applicable)
- Paper and card
- All other dry recyclable materials (including plastic, metal, and glass)
These measures aim to improve waste segregation and recycling efficiency across all workplaces.
What Does This Mean for Recycling Businesses?
The new requirements bring both opportunities and challenges for recycling businesses. With workplaces separating waste into four categories, demand for collection and processing services is expected to grow. Recycling businesses must ensure they have the tools, infrastructure, and expertise to handle these streams efficiently, creating opportunities for growth while maintaining compliance with higher standards.
How Should Recycling Businesses Prepare?
- Assess Equipment Needs: Evaluate your current machinery to ensure it can handle increased and diverse waste streams effectively.
- Invest in High-Quality Blades: Use precision-engineered, durable blades to improve processing efficiency, reduce downtime, and handle tougher materials.
- Regular Maintenance: Establish a schedule to inspect and sharpen blades, ensuring consistent performance and prolonging equipment lifespan.
- Partner with Reliable Suppliers: Source blades and spare parts from trusted manufacturers to maintain high standards and ensure quick replacements.
- Monitor and Adjust Operations: Continuously evaluate the performance of blades and machinery to meet evolving recycling demands effectively.
High-quality blades are essential for achieving efficient, contamination-free recycling.
How Saturn Machine Knives Can Help
Saturn Machine Knives can support businesses by providing high-quality, precision-engineered recycling blades designed to optimise waste processing and enhance recycling efficiency. Our durable and reliable, custom fabricated blades reduce downtime, minimise material contamination, and ensure consistent performance, even with high-volume or tough materials. By partnering with Saturn Machine Knives, businesses can improve operational efficiency, meet evolving recycling standards, and contribute to sustainability goals with confidence.
Get prepared for Simpler Recycling by March 31st 2025 by making an enquiry.