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. It is aimed at significantly improving waste management practices and reducing environmental impact. This 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 include:
- Mandatory Recycling for Businesses
- Extended Producer Responsibility
- Ban on Single-Use Plastics
- Increased Landfill Taxes
- Household Waste Separation
One of the most significant changes in the upcoming legislation is the introduction of mandatory recycling for all businesses. Businesses with 10 employees or more must separate glass, paper, metal, cardboard, plastic, and food waste. However, businesses with fewer than 10 employees have until March 2027 to comply.
While many companies already engage in recycling efforts, the new law will require businesses of all sizes to implement recycling programs for materials such as:
- Mixed Dry Recycling: Glass, paper, metal, cardboard, plastic
- Food Waste: Organic waste from food that needs to be collected separately
- Plastic Film: Non-recyclable film
This will reduce the amount of waste sent to landfills and promote resource recovery.
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 means companies must design products with recyclability in mind, reduce packaging waste, and take responsibility for collecting and recycling their products after use.
Additionally, a ban on single-use plastics will prohibit 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.
Another major change is the introduction of higher landfill taxes to discourage landfill use and promote recycling and waste reduction. Both businesses and individuals will face increased costs for disposing of waste in landfills, making it more economical to adopt recycling or composting practices.
The legislation will also require household waste separation, making it mandatory for residents to sort their waste into recyclables, organic waste, and residuals, with penalties for non-compliance. This comprehensive legislation aims to promote a circular economy, reduce waste, and contribute to the UK’s broader environmental sustainability goals.
How racksack® Can Help
racksack® transforms daily waste management. Offering an efficient, space-saving, and eco-friendly solution for waste segregation, racksack® integrates into the existing infrastructure of warehouses, factories, and distribution centres.
racksack® makes compliance with these legal requirements as simple as possible. Whether it’s paper, plastics, cardboard, general waste, or more specific categories, racksack® offers a versatile solution that meets the diverse needs of any industrial setting.
What You Can Do Now
To ensure compliance by March 2025, start planning today:
- Conduct a Waste Audit: Review your current waste collection process in your business.
- Contact Beaverswood®: We will work with you to find the best waste management solution that ensures compliance and smooth operations.
- Implement racksack®
By taking action now, your business can avoid disruptions, meet legal requirements, and contribute to a more sustainable future.
Let's work together to ensure every business can 'Get Sorted' with racksack®.
racksack® makes it easy to follow UK recycling rules, making operations more efficient and environmentally friendly. Reach out to your local distributor today!
Or, to become a racksack® reseller, contact us now:
Email: sales@beaverswood.co.uk
Phone: 01189 796 096