From 31 March 2025, the UK Government is introducing ‘Simpler Recycling’ legislation - and many businesses in the Southwest will need to ensure that all food waste is segregated from other waste.
Neil Pollard, Divisional Director of Hills Waste Solutions explains what the Simpler Recycling legislation means for businesses:
“Through Simpler Recycling, The Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (DEFRA) aims to improve business recycling rates, reducing the amount of waste that goes to landfill. For small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs), this brings both opportunities and responsibilities.
“One of the most notable updates is the disposal of food waste. It will soon be illegal to dispose of food waste in general waste bins, as this type of waste can easily be recycled and turned into fertiliser, which can then support the growing of more food.For many SME businesses generating food waste, particularly pubs, restaurants, hotels and caterers, it may mean that an additional waste service must be purchased. Other businesses where food is consumed on the premises and where leftovers are thrown out are also affected.”
Some SME’s are ahead of the legislation change and are already using a food waste collection service. Adrian McCay, owner of Pepperpot Events in Chippenham, Wiltshire is a Hills Waste Solutions customer and commented:
“Each event we do is completely different, one day you might do a dinner for twelve, and then the next week you might do a function for 500. That creates quite a bit of waste as you can imagine. Hills always organises the waste collections at our events. It’s fantastic.Our waste streams are predominantly glass bottles, food waste and general waste.I phone up, and the next day they come and pick the waste up, it’s fantastic and super easy.”
As Neil Pollard explains:
“The other key change in Simpler Recycling relates to dry recyclable materials, such plastics, recyclable paper, cardboard and metals, which businesses may currently be throwing out with their general waste. Businesses will need to place these items into a dedicated dry mixed recyclable bin, further reducing the waste going to landfill. A separate collection for glass is recommended due to its weight and for safety reasons.”
To further encourage businesses to change, the Government will also increase Landfill Tax for the waste that does go to landfill. Although businesses do not pay this charge directly, the waste carriers you use will incur this additional cost, which is likely to be passed onto businesses, since the rate of increase is more than 21%, depending upon the rates applied.
Pollard added:
“Navigating the complexities of waste management, and the new DEFRA regulations can be difficult, but we are here to help. I would advise SMEs in the region to give us a call on 0808 145 4533 or visit our website hills-waste.co.uk for more information to help your business transition under these new regulations.”
https://www.hills-waste.co.uk/about-us/simpler-recycling