Big Changes to Waste Laws: What UK Businesses Need to Know From March 2025

New waste laws are are in force in England, and if your business could face penalties due to non-compliance. From the 31st of March 2025, all workplaces in England will be legally required to separate and present their waste in accordance with new government regulations. These laws aim to improve recycling processes, reducing landfill waste to ensure more responsible and sustainable waste disposal practices. Micro firms (these are businesses with fewer than 10 full time employees) have until the 31^st of March 2027 to comply. 

If you do need to hire a skip to dispose of your waste we are happy to help you, you can book instantly here

So, what do these changes actually mean for you and your business? Let’s break it down.

What’s Changing?

Currently, many businesses dispose of all waste in a single bin. However, from the 31^st of  March 2025, this will no longer be permitted. You’ll need to sort and separate your waste into three distinct categories: 

♻Dry Recyclables – This includes plastic, metal, glass, paper, and cardboard. (Consider drinks bottles, rinsed food tins, old newspapers, and packaging.)

🍎 Food Waste – Any food scraps, leftovers, or preparation waste. This applies even if your business doesn’t serve food. So yes, your office tea bags, and banana peels still count!

🗑 Residual (Black Bin) Waste – This is everything that can’t be recycled, including nappies, food packaging which cannot be washed , or other hygiene products.

In addition to this, if your business produces garden waste, you must compost or recycle it where possible. 

Who Does This Apply To?

If your workplace produces waste that’s comparable to household waste, you are required to apply. This applies to:

🏢 Offices and Public Meeting Spaces
🛍 Retail shops and Warehouses
🍽 Restaurants, Cafes and Hotels
🏫 Schools, Colleges and Universities
🏥 GP Surgeries, Hospitals and Care Homes
⛪ Places of Worship
🚗 Transport and Storage Facilities
🏠 Residential Hostels, Charity Shops and Charities

Please check the legislation here if you are unsure if this applies to you. 

What Do You Need to Do?

 ✅ Check with Your Waste Collector *Ensure they can manage separate collections for recyclables, food waste, and residual waste.

🔍 Review Your Disposal *Assess if your current system meets the new requirements.

📢 Educate Your Staff *Set internal guidelines using clear signage to ensure proper waste sorting within the workplace.

Non-Compliance Consequences

Compliance with the new rules is mandatory. The Environment Agency may issue compliance notices to businesses and landlords responsible for the waste collection. Waste collectors must also adhere to the regulations to avoid enforcement action.

Sustainability

Although these changes may seem daunting, the new waste laws are an important step towards a more sustainable future.

Through the proper management of waste, businesses can reduce their environmental impact, encouraging a greener planet! 🌍

Need More Help?

You can visit the Business of Recycling website for sector-specific guidance. The website even has a waste calculator that will estimate your costs for you!