Ensure your waste management solution is compliant
Recycling is changing across the UK, and businesses need to keep up to avoid fines, stay compliant, and demonstrate their commitment to sustainability. While both England and Wales are moving towards stricter workplace recycling requirements, the rules and their timelines differ between the two nations.
Wales
Since April 2024, all workplaces in Wales have been required to separate specific materials for recycling. Businesses must now handle:
- Paper and card
- Glass
- Metal, plastic, and cartons
- Food waste
- Unsold small Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (sWEEE)
- Unsold textiles
The goal is clear: reduce contamination, increase recycling rates, and make sure that valuable materials don’t end up in landfill or incineration.
England: Simpler Recycling by 2025
England is rolling out its own rules under the Simpler Recycling initiative, but with a slightly different approach. From March 2025, workplaces with 10 or more employees will need to separate waste into:
- Dry recyclables (plastic, metal, glass, paper, and card)
- Food waste
- General waste
However, there’s an important detail: paper and card must be kept separate from the other dry recyclables.
Smaller businesses don’t have to comply yet. Workplaces with fewer than 10 employees won’t need to comply until March 2027.
Key differences between England and Wales
The broad aim is the same, making recycling easier, clearer, and more effective. But the two approaches have some clear differences:
- Timing: Wales moved first, enforcing its rules in April 2024. England follows in March 2025, with micro-firms given until 2027.
- Scope: Wales requires a wider range of waste streams to be separated, including textiles and small electrical items. England focuses more narrowly on dry recyclables, food waste, and general waste.
- Approach: Wales emphasises full separation, while England’s “Simpler Recycling” policy is about streamlining the process and phasing in requirements for smaller workplaces.
Why it matters for your business
Failing to comply with the new rules could mean fines from local councils. But compliance isn’t just about avoiding penalties, it’s also a chance to:
- Cut costs by reducing general waste volumes.
- Improve sustainability credentials, which matters to customers, employees, and stakeholders.
- Prepare early to make the transition smoother and avoid last-minute disruption.
How to prepare
If you operate in Wales, you should already be separating recyclables, if not, action is urgent. In England, now is the time to:
- Audit your current waste streams.
- Review how and where bins are placed in your workplace.
- Train your staff on new recycling requirements.
Get expert support
If managing waste feels overwhelming, remember you don’t have to do it alone. At Unyfi, we help businesses build smarter waste management systems that meet legal requirements, reduce costs, and fit seamlessly into their day-to-day operations. From audits and compliance support to bespoke solutions and staff training, we can help you put your plan into practice and keep it working long term.
Laurence, Henry, and Tom have consistently provided outstanding support over the years, always going the extra mile to help. Their professionalism and dedication truly set them apart. Highly recommended!”
David Pavon
El Colmado Charcuterie and Spanish food
Final thoughts
The UK’s new recycling regulations represent a big shift in how businesses handle waste. Wales has set the pace, and England is following with its own “Simpler Recycling” approach. Wherever your business is based, planning ahead will keep you compliant, cut costs, and strengthen your environmental impact.
Ready to schedule a waste consultation?
Related services
