The law is changing in England. From March, all workplaces will need to recycle the same core set of materials.

The strategy surrounds a circular economy approach to the recovery of materials with a significant focus on food waste. (The Circular Economy takes materials that are currently sent for disposal, and with appropriate sortation puts them back into the chain of production. In doing so it reduces the demand on the use of virgin materials).

Businesses will need to ensure that they have suitable collection services in place for each of the streams (Plastic, Metal, Glass, Paper + Card and Food Waste) these are featured in the Environmental Protection Act 2021.

Recyclables should not be mixed with General Waste.

The Timelines:

By 31/3/2025 if 10 or more full time employees

By 31/3/27 if fewer than 10 full-time equivalent employees.

By 31/3/2027 there will be a requirement to arrange collection of Flexible Plastics.

Enforcement:

The Environment Agency will be able to issue notices against anyone (waste producer, Landlords, FM Companies OR contractors) that is/are not compliant with the requirements.

It is an offense to fail to comply with a compliance notice and can be enforced, if convicted, with a fine.

Support

The EA will be offering support through a range of engagement activities, guidance and resources up to and beyond the commencement of the legislation.