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Introduced as part of the government’s Simpler Recycling plans, Section 57 amendments will boost stagnant recycling rates and reduce the amount of waste sent to landfill and for incineration.
The new rules on recycling for businesses have ended confusion over what waste should go where to enable more streamlined and consistent collections. They will also provide financial savings for many businesses, replacing previous legislation that required companies to have up to six bins.
What are the main changes?
Workplaces with ten or more employees will be impacted by the law, which now separates waste into three main categories: dry recyclable materials, food, and residual non-recyclable. The dry recyclable category is further divided into sub-sections including metal, plastic, glass, paper and card.
Paper and card must be separated from other dry recyclables, the only exception being if the waste collector takes them together. Businesses can decide on the frequency of collections and the size of their recycling bins, depending on the amount of waste they actually produce.
What materials can be recycled?
A wide range of waste can be recycled, such as glass, including drinks bottles and rinsed empty food jars; metal drinks cans, aluminium food trays and tubes; and rinsed plastic empty food containers and bottles. Also included are paper and cardboard; cartons for food, drink and other liquids; and general food waste.
The government describes it as a “pragmatic and sensible approach” to collecting waste materials from business premises, schools, universities, residential homes, nursing homes and hospitals. It will also lead to an increase in high-quality recycled materials being collected to create a circular economy, as manufacturers can source more materials to make new products.
Ultimately, the aim is to cut the societal and environmental impact of waste disposal, reduce carbon emissions and support growth in the UK reprocessing sector.
Recycling challenges
Only around half of UK small businesses use a recycling service, according to research carried out in 2024, despite 61% of waste being generated from non-domestic properties. In England alone, businesses generate 34 million tonnes of waste annually.
The business community feels the new Simpler Recycling scheme should be better publicised, according to polls, as only 50% of SMEs had heard of it before its introduction. As a result, only 8% had actively made changes to their recycling schemes in preparation for the launch on 31st March 2025 and 64% felt they were unprepared at present.
Various Solent Plastics’ products can be used to help SMEs comply with the new laws within the workplace and make a smooth transition to the scheme.
Wheelie bins
We can provide waste management solutions for any commercial environment including wheelie bins, waste bins and recycling bins. Designed for efficient waste disposal and easy mobility, our wheelie bins come in various styles, sizes and capacities to suit individual requirements. Also suitable for use with lifting devices on bin lorries, they can be used in both indoor and outdoor settings, conforming to European specification EN840-1.
Maintain cleanliness and promote sustainability with our selection of recycling and waste bins, that provide convenient waste segregation and make it easier for businesses of all sizes to contribute to a greener environment.
Mobile slim bins
Our 65-litre mobile slim bin is ideal for recycling and waste segregation, combining top quality with amazing value. With two wheels for easy moving, it features large ergonomic handles and comes in a choice of open or closed click-down lids in four colour options.
This flexible bin is suitable for recycling paper and cardboard, bottles, glass and other waste, with its slimline design measuring 585mm long x 290mm wide x 670mm tall making it a space saving solution for business recycling, including in offices. Made from food-grade polypropylene, it’s also suitable for use in the catering industry.
The bins nest inside one another when not in use for added convenience.
Industrial pedal bins
Suitable for recycling in various environments including offices, toilets and kitchens, our 22-litre small industrial pedal bin has a practical design, with two removable inserts and space for waste bags with a volume of 18 litres and 25 litres. With a convenient and hygienic opening, a stand-on pedal provides hands-free use.
Ideal for keeping general waste and recycling separate, it weighs 1.81kg when empty, making it easy to move around. With external dimensions of 350mm long x 295mm wide x 435mm high, the bin provides a space saving recycling solution, even in compact workspaces.
Long-term goals
Using hygienic and convenient recycling bin storage can help your business comply with the long-term goals of the new workplace recycling legislation.
The implementation of Simpler Recycling for workplaces follows Environment Secretary Steve Reed’s strategy to transform the nation’s economy, ensuring resources and products are used more sustainably and delivering cleaner streets and a healthy countryside.
Mary Creagh, Circular Economy Minister, has spoken of how the government is “committed to ending the throwaway society and boosting recycling rates, which have stalled for too long”. She believes the government’s Plan for Change will drive growth, with the Simpler Recycling legislation simplifying workplace rules to maximise environmental benefits and deliver cost savings.
The Environment Agency assumed responsibility for Simpler Recycling from 31st March 2025, pledging its commitment to support businesses, including waste producers and collectors, in carrying out their new duties.