Get Ready for the New Recycling Rules: What UK Businesses Need to Know
Starting 31 March 2025, new government regulations will require businesses in England with 10 or more employees to separate food waste and dry recyclables from general waste. These reforms, part of theSimpler Recyclinginitiative, aim to increase recycling rates and reduce environmental impact.
Key Requirements for Businesses
- Separate Food Waste:All food waste, no matter the amount, must be collected separately.
- Recycling Dry Materials:Businesses need to separate materials like glass, metal, paper, cardboard, and certain plastics from general waste. These items can be collected together as mixed recycling to streamline the process.
- Plastic Film Collection:By March 2027, businesses will also be required to recycle plastic film and flexibles.
Failure to comply with these regulations may result in penalties, making it crucial for businesses to adapt their waste management practices in advance
Top 3 Tips to Get a Head Start
- Audit Your Current Waste Processes:Assess the volume and types of waste your business generates. Identify areas where waste can be separated more effectively. Carrot can provide data insights to help you pinpoint inefficiencies and track improvements.
- Optimise waste rooms and collections:Ensure your waste collection provider is equipped to handle food waste and mixed recycling in compliance with the new rules. Optimise for a good recycling flow in your waste room. With Carrot, you can create a digital twin of your infrastructure and keep track of your different types of containers, smart hardware and waste streams.
- Engage and Educate Your Team:Proper sorting depends on everyone’s participation. Use Carrot's tools to create tailored communications for your occupiers, helping them understand the new requirements and encouraging sustainable behaviour.
How Carrot Can Help
Carrot simplifies waste management and recycling by providing real-time data and actionable insights tailored to your business needs. With our platform, you can:
- Track compliancewith the new regulations.
- Measure progresstoward recycling targets.
- Motivate your occupierswith clear goals and rewards for sustainable behaviour.
These upcoming changes present an opportunity for businesses to align with sustainability goals while ensuring regulatory compliance. By planning ahead and leveraging Carrot’s technology, you’ll not only meet the new requirements but also reduce waste, cut costs, and make a positive impact on the environment.
For more details on the new regulations, visit the UK Government’s official announcement here.
To get ahead and start tracking, book a meeting with us