Waste managers issue compliance warning over new simpler recycling regulations
Six months on from the introduction of the simpler recycling regulations, leading Midlands waste management company Willshee’s is calling on businesses across the region to double-check their compliance, warning that some organisations still may not realise the rules apply to them.
Despite the legislation coming into force for non-household premises in March 2025, Willshee’s says that many businesses are still unsure of how the rules impact them, particularly those operating across multiple sites or with fluctuating staff numbers.
From 31 March 2025, all businesses and non-household organisations in England with 10 or more full-time equivalent employees are legally required to separate Plastics, Paper & Card, Glass, Metals and Food Waste from general waste.
The legislation is part of the UK’s broader push to achieve a 65 per cent national recycling rate and transition to a circular economy.
Dean Willshee, managing director at Willshee’s, said: “We’ve seen fantastic momentum from many of our customers but there’s still a surprising number of businesses that haven’t yet taken action.
“The regulations are here, and there’s a real risk of being fined for non-compliance, so now’s the time to get fully on board if you haven’t already.”
Since the Simpler Recycling legislation came into force, Willshee’s has seen a substantial rise in demand for compliant waste services, particularly in food waste management.
There has been a 133 per cent increase in food waste wheelie bins deployed on customer sites and a 340 per cent surge in food waste tonnage sent to Anaerobic Digestion.
This reflects a growing number of businesses introducing separate food waste collections as part of their compliance efforts.
There has also been a noticeable increase in enquiries about glass segregation, further indicating a shift toward more responsible waste practices.
While this uptake shows that many Midlands businesses are adapting well to the new requirements, those yet to act risk Compliance Notices from the Environment Agency and financial penalties.
Introduced by DEFRA to end confusion over recycling practices, the Simpler Recycling regulations aim to boost national recycling rates and cut down on landfill.
Looking ahead, the next phase of Simpler Recycling will begin on 31 March 2026, when households across England will come under the same rules.
At that point, Local Authorities will be required to provide services that allow residents to separate recyclable materials effectively.
If a business has more than 10 full-time equivalent employees, it is legally required to comply with the Simpler Recycling regulations, regardless of how much recyclable material produced.
Willshee’s is working closely with businesses across the Midlands to ensure they stay on top of their obligations, offering a range of flexible and cost-effective solutions to make compliance straightforward.
This includes free on-site waste audits to assess existing processes, as well as segregated collections for food waste, glass, and dry recyclables.
In addition, Willshee’s provides guidance and training materials to help educate employees on correct waste separation, along with practical support to prevent contamination and minimise the risk of penalties.
Customers can also gain access to a user-friendly online portal that provides full visibility over waste volumes, recycling rates, and collection activity, helping businesses monitor performance and stay compliant with confidence.
