Countdown to Change: Food Waste Recycling
- Commercial, Local Authorities
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The aim of the simpler recycling scheme is to simplify how we recycle as a country. Once the scheme is implemented across the UK, it will hopefully put an end to the confusion over what can and can’t be recycled in different parts of the country so, whether you’re at home, work or school you’ll be able to recycle the same materials.
The Government requires that businesses have separate food waste collections from March 2025 and households much have separate weekly food waste collections as of March 2026.
Key Points
- The Government introduced the Simpler Recycling Scheme, with the aim of simplifying how we recycle as a country.
- All businesses and non-household premises with 10 or more employees will have to separate their waste, including food waste by 31st March 2025
- Local authorities have until April 2026 to prepare for this change.
The Simpler Recycling Scheme Timeline
2025
Businesses and non-household properties with 10 or more employees
Local authorities to collect all recyclable waste streams from all households
Mirco-firms (under 10 employees)
What does this mean for businesses?
All businesses and non-household premises (employing over 10 people, regardless of the nature of the business) must implement recycling for glass, metal, plastic, paper, card and food by 31st March 2025. Food waste must be recycled separately from residual waste.
Micro businesses (those employing under 10 people) will have to implement this by March 2027. It’s also worth noting that by this date all businesses will need to be recycling plastic films as part of the plastic waste stream.
What's the best way to implement this?
Your current waste management provider can guide you through the timeline and requirements for implementing the new, Simpler Recycling Scheme. If you don’t yet have a provider, our team of commercial waste specialists is here to help you manage your waste streams and ensure compliance with the latest regulations.
What happens if you don't hit the deadline?
Businesses who are caught not complying with the Simpler Recycling requirements after March 2025 could face fines.
Countdown to the deadline for businesses
What does this mean for local authorities?
Local authorities who do not already collect food waste are being offered ‘new burdens’ funding to assist in the rollout, by covering the transitional and operational costs.
What is exciting about last year’s announcements is that any capital investment local authorities make for food waste from April 2023, will be funded retrospectively, so you don’t have to wait until March 2026 to start implementing the new scheme! Those who are ready can start to move now, knowing that they will receive support from the Government.
These changes could also offer an opportunity to review and improve council’s recycling offer to residents – maximising recycling rates and potentially reducing service costs.’
What's the best way to implement this?
The Government gave local authorities just over two years to implement their Simpler Recycling Scheme, although half the country already has a food collection scheme in place. At BioteCH₄, we have years of experience working with local authorities all over the UK; drawing from that experience, we believe it’s best to stagger the implementation of this scheme to minimise congestion throughout the supply chain.
It’s also helpful to talk to a neighbouring Local Authority that has already put a food waste scheme in place, especially those who have a similar demographic to yours. It will help you understand how to implement the scheme successfully, considering what worked and what didn’t work for your neighbour so you don’t have to start from scratch.
What happens if you don't hit the deadline?
While it is clear that every household and community property must have a Simpler Recycling Scheme in place by March 2026, there are no clear sanctions for local authorities who do not implement this in time.
Countdown to the deadline for local authorities
How can BioteCH4 support you?
We have a history of successfully managing food waste recycling and working closely with local authorities. At BioteCH₄, education and access to information are key when faced with a new challenge. Managing food waste differs significantly from handling general waste so seeking advice from professionals with experience in the industry is vital. If you would like to know more about the new Simpler Recycling Scheme and how we can help you then call us or book a visit at one of our AD plants. We are open to conversations.
