Simpler Recycling for UK Workplaces

Simpler Recycling is the UK government's workplace recycling policy requiring businesses to separately collect dry recyclables (paper, cardboard, plastics, metals, glass) and food waste from general waste. It applies to businesses of all sizes in England and is designed to increase recycling rates and reduce contamination across UK workplaces.

This guide explains what Simpler Recycling means for offices and how to set up a compliant workplace recycling system.

For official government guidance, see the UK government's Simpler Recycling page on GOV.UK.

Simpler Recycling is a UK workplace recycling reform introduced by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra). The policy aims to standardise how businesses separate waste, increase recycling rates, and reduce contamination caused by mixed waste disposal.

Under Simpler Recycling, businesses in England are required to:

- Separately collect dry recyclables (paper, cardboard, plastics, metals, glass) from general waste

- Separately collect food waste (for businesses with 10 or more full-time equivalent employees, from April 2025)

- Ensure waste is collected by a registered waste carrier

The regulations apply to businesses, schools, and other non-household premises. Similar policies apply in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland under separate devolved legislation.

Source: Defra, Environmental Permitting (England and Wales) Regulations 2016 (as amended)

The key dates for England are:

- From 31 March 2025: All businesses and non-household premises must separate dry recyclables from general waste

- From 31 March 2025: Businesses with 10 or more full-time equivalent employees must also separate food waste

- From 31 March 2027: Micro-businesses (fewer than 10 employees) must separate food waste

For current and confirmed deadlines, always check the latest guidance at GOV.UK (https://www.gov.uk/guidance/simpler-recycling-workplace-recycling-in-england).

Under Simpler Recycling, UK workplaces should collect the following waste streams separately:

Dry recyclables (must not be mixed with general waste):

- Paper and cardboard

- Glass bottles and jars

- Metal tins and cans

- Plastic bottles, tubs, trays and cartons

Food waste (collected separately from dry recyclables and general waste):

- Any food or drink waste generated in the workplace

General waste:

- Non-recyclable items that do not fit the above categories

Many offices also choose to separate paper and card from mixed recycling to further reduce contamination and simplify employee behaviour. This aligns with WRAP colour coding guidance (https://wrap.org.uk/taking-action/plastic-packaging/key-tools/colour-coding).

For most offices, meeting Simpler Recycling requirements means introducing clearly labelled, colour-coded recycling bins for at least three waste streams: general waste, mixed recycling (dry recyclables), and food waste.

In practice, most workplaces adopt one of two approaches:

Centralised recycling stations: Multiple waste streams grouped together in a single location, typically in kitchens, breakout areas, and near shared printers. This works well because it simplifies employee decision-making and creates consistency throughout the workplace.

Distributed recycling points: Smaller recycling points positioned throughout the office. This suits larger workplaces where employees may not regularly pass central recycling areas.

Most workplaces benefit from a combination of both.

Common problems:

1. Unclear signage: Employees cannot identify the correct bin for their waste.

2. Inconsistent bin colours: Different areas use different colour schemes, creating confusion.

3. Food waste contamination: Food waste ends up in mixed recycling bins, reducing the quality of recyclable material.

4. Overcomplicated setups: Too many waste streams create confusion and reduce employee participation.

The most effective workplace recycling systems are simple, consistent, and easy for employees to use without thinking about it.

Selecting individual bins for each waste stream is time-consuming and often results in incompatible combinations. A pre-built recycling package removes the guesswork.

Our packages are designed around the waste streams UK workplaces most commonly need:

Starter — General Waste + Mixed Recycling

Ideal for small offices beginning workplace recycling.

Starter Plus — General Waste + Mixed Recycling + Food Waste

For offices with kitchens or staff eating areas.

Pro — General Waste + Mixed Recycling + Paper + Cans + Plastic Bottles

For higher-volume offices or those separating additional dry recyclable streams.

Pro Plus — All of the above, including Food Waste

Full waste stream separation for comprehensive Simpler Recycling compliance.

All packages use WRAP compliant colour coding and are designed for UK workplaces.

Yes. Simpler Recycling applies to all businesses and non-household premises in England. The key requirement is to separate dry recyclables from general waste. Separate food waste collection applies to businesses with 10 or more employees from March 2025, and to micro-businesses from March 2027.

At a minimum, businesses need separate bins for general waste and dry recyclables (mixed recycling). Most workplaces also need a separate food waste bin. WRAP colour coding guidance recommends black for general waste, lime green or blue for mixed recycling, dark green for food waste, blue for paper, red for plastics, and grey for cans.

Simpler Recycling as described above applies to England. Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland have separate devolved waste legislation with their own requirements. Check with your local authority or the relevant devolved government guidance for details.

Non-compliance with Simpler Recycling requirements can result in enforcement action by the Environment Agency or local authority. Always check current guidance on GOV.UK for the latest enforcement position.

Official guidance is available at: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/simpler-recycling