The New Waste Legislation Coming in March 2025: What You Need to Know

The growing environmental crisis has put immense pressure on governments to adopt more effective waste management strategies.

Landfills are overflowing, ocean pollution is worsening, and greenhouse gas emissions from waste are contributing to climate change.

The new waste legislation, Simpler Recycling, is set to be introduced in England in March 2025. This landmark policy aims to significantly improve waste management practices and reduce environmental impact. The legislation will implement stricter measures across businesses, individuals, and municipalities to promote recycling, reduce landfill waste, and combat plastic pollution.

Key Aspects of the Legislation

1. Mandatory Recycling for Businesses

One of the most significant changes in the upcoming legislation is the introduction of mandatory recycling for all businesses. Companies with 10 or more employees will be required to separate waste into categories such as:

• Dry Mixed Recycling: Glass, paper, metal, cardboard, and plastic.
• Food Waste: Organic waste from food that needs to be collected separately.
• Plastic Film: Non-recyclable plastic film.

Smaller businesses with fewer than 10 employees will have until March 2027 to comply with these requirements. These measures aim to reduce the volume of waste sent to landfills and promote resource recovery.

2. Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR)

Extended Producer Responsibility is a critical component of the new legislation. Under EPR, manufacturers will be held accountable for the entire lifecycle of their products. This includes:

Designing products with recyclability in mind.
Reducing packaging waste.
Taking responsibility for collecting and recycling their products after use.

This initiative incentivises companies to create sustainable products and contributes to a circular economy.

3. Ban on Single-Use Plastics

The legislation will enforce a ban on single-use plastics, prohibiting items such as plastic bags, straws, utensils, and certain food packaging materials. Businesses will be required to transition to sustainable alternatives, such as biodegradable or reusable products, helping to curb plastic pollution.

4. Increased Landfill Taxes

To discourage landfill use and promote recycling and waste reduction, the legislation introduces higher landfill taxes. Both businesses and individuals will face increased costs for disposing of waste in landfills, making recycling and composting more cost-effective options.

5. Household Waste Separation

Households will also be required to separate their waste into distinct categories: recyclables, organic waste, and residual waste. Non-compliance will result in penalties. This measure ensures that everyone contributes to improving waste management and reducing environmental impact.

What can you do to ensure you are compliant by March 2025?

1. Conduct a waste audit

Review your current waste collection on your premises and record places where specific bins are required to adhere to the new simpler recycling rules

2. Contact Heyn Environmental

Heyn Environmental has a wide variety of waste containers to fit all business sizes and budgets. We offer single and multi-container bins to help encourage recycling. We also have a wide range of posters and document displays to help aid the advertising of the new legislation

3. Start now!

Take action now, start implementing the new recycling segregation rules now so when it comes to your audit in March 2025.

The Path to a Sustainable Future

The Simpler Recycling legislation represents a significant step toward creating a sustainable future. By implementing these measures, England aims to promote a circular economy, minimise waste, and achieve its broader environmental sustainability goals. These changes will require adjustments from businesses and individuals alike, but the long-term benefits for the planet are undeniable.

March 2025 marks a pivotal moment in the fight against waste and pollution. Are you ready to embrace the change?