Simpler Recycling
The government has introduced 'Simpler Recycling' waste reforms for businesses in England.
The legislation has been designed to streamline recycling across the country, so that everyone recycles the same things wherever they live and whether they are at home or at work.
What do businesses have to do?
Any business or organisation with 10 or more full-time employees is now required to arrange for the separate collection of the following materials for recycling:
- paper and card
- plastic packaging
- steel and aluminium packaging
- glass
- food waste (whether generated by employees or by the business).
Plastic films will need to be separated from general rubbish from 31 March 2027; however, Exeter City Council Commercial Waste customers can already put high-quality films (such as bread bags and bags for life) in with their recycling, since the Council has been processing these for the past 25 years.
Any business or organisation with fewer than 10 full-time employees will be required to arrange for the separate collection of the above materials for recycling by no later than 31 March 2027.
Are there any exemptions?
No. All businesses and organisations (including those in the public sector) that produce waste similar to household waste must comply with the legislation: Simpler recycling: workplace recycling in England.
As a commercial waste collection provider, Exeter City Council is required to collect waste from businesses and organisations in alignment with these rules.
If you need help, we are happy to offer advice and guidance to support you in being compliant with the legislation. Just contact us at commercial.waste@exeter.gov.uk.
See our full A-Z of what can and can’t be recycled in Exeter. (Please note: this is a domestic waste page, but the list is also accurate for Commercial Waste customers.)