Simpler Recycling six months on: is your business fully compliant?

Written by Willshee's Waste & Recycling

Six months on from the introduction of the new Simpler Recycling regulations, many businesses across England are already embracing the changes. At Willshee’s, we’ve seen a major surge in demand for compliant recycling services.

But we’re also hearing from businesses that are still unsure how the rules apply, especially those with multiple sites or changing staff levels.

What is Simpler Recycling?

The Simpler Recycling legislation, introduced by DEFRA, aims to remove confusion around recycling and boost national recycling rates. As of 31 March 2025, all non-household premises in England with 10 or more full-time equivalent employees must separate five key waste streams from general waste:

• Plastics

• Paper & card

• Glass

• Metals

• Food waste

This is a big step forward in the UK’s mission to achieve a 65 per cent recycling rate and transition to a circular economy.

And this is just the beginning – from March 2026, similar rules will apply to households, with Local Authorities required to provide appropriate kerbside collection services.

Willshee’s customers leading the way

The good news? Many of our customers have already stepped up. We’ve seen:

• 133 per cent increase in food waste bins deployed across client sites

• 340 per cent rise in food waste tonnage sent to Anaerobic Digestion

• Growing interest in glass recycling and segregated collections

These numbers show what’s possible when businesses take a proactive approach to compliance. And with rising expectations from regulators, employees, and customers, it's becoming an essential part of responsible business practice.

How Willshee’s can help

We make compliance easy. Whether you’re a small business or a multi-site operator, we offer:

• Free on-site waste audits to assess your current setup

• Flexible bin solutions for segregated food, glass, and dry mixed recyclables

• Dry Mixed Recycling (DMR) services to simplify sorting of plastic, paper, cardboard, and metals

• Training and guidance for your team to prevent contamination

• An online customer portal with full visibility on your collections, recycling rates, and waste volumes

“Our goal is to make Simpler Recycling as straightforward and cost-effective as possible,” “We’ve invested in the right infrastructure, vehicles, and digital tools, so our customers can focus on their business, not their bins.” – Dean Willshee, Managing Director

Don’t risk a fine – get compliant now

The Environment Agency is already issuing compliance notices – and penalties for non-compliance can hit hard. But with the right support, it doesn’t have to be complicated.

Call us today to book your free consultation on 01283 702340.

Or for more information visit the website.