Simpler Recycling: A Year In Review

The first phase of Simpler Recycling came into effect on 31st March 2025, marking one of the biggest challenges to commercial waste management in England for years. 

Businesses with 10 or more full-time equivalent employees were required to separate paper, cardboard, plastic bottles/packaging, metal tins/cans, and glass from general waste, representing a shift in how waste needed to be handled, stored and collected.

Here at Brown Recycling, we’ve been helping businesses across Staffordshire, Cheshire and the Midlands to meet the new challenges even before it became a legality. This is our review of what’s changed, what we’ve learnt and what businesses should be preparing for next as waste legislation continues to evolve.

What changed under Simpler Recycling?

Simpler Recycling was implemented to create a more consistent approach to recycling across England. The new rules aimed to make recycling clearer across all locations, and for all businesses and waste management providers, ultimately improving the quality of materials recovered.

Over the last year, businesses and organisations have needed to separate the following:

1. Dry mixed recyclable materials
2. Food waste
3. General waste (non-recyclable materials)

For many, this meant reviewing internal bins, staff training, collection frequencies, external containers and waste reporting. This has been relatively straightforward for some, but for larger sites or businesses with multiple waste streams, more planning and education were required.

A year of major change for business waste

The first year has shown significant change. Demand for recycling and food waste services increased quickly, often faster than we expected. Our figures showed:

• Food waste bin empties increased by 621%

• Source Segregated Recycling (SSR) increased by 609%
  

• Cardboard and paper collections rose by 51% 

This highlights that businesses aren’t just reacting to regulation, they’re actively improving how they separate their waste, reduce contamination and recover more recyclable materials.

How Brown Recycling adapted

We moved quickly to support businesses through the Simpler Recycling changes, building on services we already had in place before the regulations came into effect. 

Our work included: 

• Expanding our Source Segregated Recycling services 
• Bringing food waste collections in-house
• Developing dedicated collection routes
• Introduction of new container options for smaller waste volumes
• Increasing the range of internal bins so that it is easier to separate on site

At Brown Recycling, we are also championing Source Segregated Recycling (SSR) because, although Dry Mixed Recycling (DMR) may feel more convenient, it produces cleaner, higher-quality recyclable materials. SSR also helps businesses improve recycling performance now, while preparing for future compliance requirements.

Customer education is always our focus, and Simpler Recycling has been no different. We issued updated recycling guidance, account management support, training and even practical advice via the news page on our website. All of this is done to help our customers to get ahead of the curve and stay compliant.

What we have learnt one year on

It’s been an exceptionally busy first year of Simpler Recycling, showing that planning and communication are absolutely essential. We found businesses that engaged early were in a better place to secure the right containers, introduce internal systems and get their teams trained up.

Sustainability outcomes have also been supported this past year. With materials separated properly to reduce contamination and improve recycling performance, it just goes to show the value of clean, source-separated recycling.

Above all, the changes mean that recycling is no longer just a “nice to have”. It is now a key part of compliance, cost control and responsible business management.

What happens next?

We know that more waste legislation is coming in the next few years, so it’s important for businesses to plan ahead and work with a knowledgeable waste management partner.

From 31st March 2027 (less than a year away at the time of writing), micro firms with nine or fewer full-time equivalent employees are expected to meet the Simpler Recycling requirements. Household waste, too, has been brought into line this year as part of Phase 2, but there are some councils expected to be behind in meeting these expectations.

Plastic film packaging and in-scope plastic bags are also expected to fall under the regulations from 2027, along with an expanded Emissions Trading Scheme from 2027-28. 

Finally, by 2028, national digital waste tracking is expected to be rolled out. At Brown Recycling, we have been working with our software partners for several years prior to ensure compliance for both ourselves and, going forward, our customers, to ensure we meet governmental reporting targets.

To discuss the upcoming changes for your business or to work with a reliable waste recycling partner in Staffordshire, Cheshire and the Midlands, contact us today, or simply use our FREE quote builder form if you know what your requirements are.