Need help understanding the Simpler Recycling Scheme?
- Local Authorities
- -
The government recently announced their new “Simpler Recycling Scheme” in hopes of improving England’s recycling rates, with the added bonus of helping the environment.
Quick Read:
- The government have introduced the Simpler Recycling Scheme, with the aim of simplifying how we recycle as a country.
- Local Authorities have two years to implement it.
- Currently no clear sanctions in place for those that do not implement the scheme by March 2026, however, these are expected to be established once the scheme has gone through the parliamentary process.
What does this scheme mean for local councils?
The aim of the new 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 will ask that weekly food waste collections be made from March 2025 by businesses and households as of March 2026. They are offering local authorities who do not already collect food waste new ‘burdens funding’ to assist in the rollout, by covering the transitional and operational costs.
What is exciting about the recent 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.
What's the best way to implement this?
The government has given 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 in order 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, taking into account what worked and what didn’t work for your neighbour so you don’t have to start from scratch.
Every household and communal property must have a Simpler Recycling Scheme in place by March 2026.
But, as of now, there are no clear sanctions for Local Authorities who do not implement this in time. Some Local Authorities will need to have transitional arrangements because of existing residual contracts that need to run their course and are too complex to terminate. Once this scheme goes through the parliamentary process, clearer sanctions will be established.
How can BioteCH4 support you?
Get Prepared for the Simpler Recycling Scheme
If you’re trying to get prepared for the arrival of the Simpler Recycling Scheme, give us a call or book a visit to one of our AD plants to kickstart the process!
