English 
Recycling in England is changing from March 2025 – here’s how your business can prepare:
Imagine only needing to separate your waste into general waste, dry mixed recycling, and food waste – wherever you live or work.
For many households and businesses across England, this will soon be the reality.
From 31st March 2025, DEFRA’s ‘Simpler Recycling’ legislation will come into force, standardising the collection of dry recyclable waste* across councils in England – affecting businesses with 10 or more full-time employees first. Smaller businesses with less than 10 employees will have until 31st March 2027 to make these changes. For households in England, local authorities have until 2026 to implement the new legislation.
This move towards a more convenient system is projected to boost recycling rates and even encourage manufacturers to design more recyclable packaging, since they will know that what they produce can be recycled across the country (not just a few localities).
Similar recycling reforms have already been implemented in Wales. Since April 6th, 2024, businesses, charities and public sector organisations across Wales have been required to separate their recyclable waste for collection.
There is plenty to learn from the recycling reforms in Wales; in particular, that preparation is key.
Here’s what businesses need to know about Simpler Recycling 2025:
What waste needs to be separated?
From 31st March 2025, businesses with 10 or more full-time employees in England will need to separate their waste into four streams:
- General waste
- Food waste
- Dry mixed recycling, including:
- Glass bottles and jars
- Metal food and drinks cans
- Plastic bottles, pots, tubs and trays
- Paper and card
- You need to collect paper and card separately unless your waste collector specifies that they co-collect dry mixed recycling
Who will be affected by Simpler Recycling 2025?
Businesses and relevant non-domestic premises in England with 10 or more full-time employees. This includes schools and hospitals. View the full list here.
How can I prepare?
Get in touch with your waste collector
Your business must make arrangements to have the correct set of recyclable waste streams (except for garden waste and plastic film) collected for recycling or composting. This might mean reaching out to your waste collector to communicate any changes to your organisation’s waste streams as a result of the new legislation.
Complete a waste audit
Check whether your bins conform to the new Simpler Recycling standard, otherwise you risk non-compliance.
A good place to start is to complete a waste audit for your business. Have you got separate bins for paper, and one for food and drinks cans? If so, it’s time to scale down and find a bin that can hold all of your dry mixed recycling.
Label your waste streams clearly
Clear bin signage and appropriate apertures for each waste stream will encourage your staff to recycle correctly and quickly adapt to the Simpler Recycling changes.
Leafield is here to support businesses
We have a wide range of internal and external recycling bins to support your move towards Simpler Recycling 2025, whatever the nature or your business or institution.
What are the 3 types of recycling bins required for Simpler Recycling 2025?
Leafield recommends …
The EnviroPlex Series
Available in double, triple and quadruple waste streams with the option for a fifth or sixth when the additional side pods are added to suit your recycling requirements, this stylish recycling bin has been designed with simpler recycling in mind.
Now available: the EnviroPlex Recycling Bin with three or four waste streams.
The EnviroEdge Series
Available in single, double, triple and quadruple waste streams in brushed stainless steel or powder coated finishes to suit your recycling requirements.
The Meridian Range
Ideal for use in internal areas with a high footfall – think offices, universities, and indoor arenas.
The Meridian bins are available in either 87 or 100 litre capacities, and with a range of apertures and signage kits, you can choose a configuration that suits your needs.
The EcoArc Recycling Bin
Available in 80 litres, the EcoArc can be used in groups, side by side or back-to-back, and is ideal for locations where floor space is at a premium.
The EnviroBank Range
Available in single or double waste streams, the EnviroBank bins are high volume recycling units designed to be used singly or in multiples for collection of recyclables in highly populated areas.
The EnviroBin Midi Recycling Bin
Available in an 82 litre capacity, the EnviroBin Midi can be used solo or grouped for multiple waste stream recycling, which makes it a popular choice for internal office recycling.
The EnviroGo Range
Available in either 60 or 90 litre capacities with a generous open aperture that allows for the collection of most waste streams, the EnviroGo recycling bin also features a front handle and 75mm wheels for easy manoeuvrability.
Want to know more?
Mel and Emma, Leafield’s Business Development Managers will be more than happy to talk you through options and recommendations with a no obligation consultation.
For more information on Leafield’s internal and external recycling bins call 01225816541, email [email protected] or visit www.leafieldrecycle.com
*Excluding garden waste and plastic film
