Joanne Gilliard, CEO of Jangro, provides expert guidance on how businesses can prepare for the UK’s upcoming ‘Simpler Recycling’ legislation, set to take effect from 31st March 2025.
Recycling has become a cornerstone of sustainability, helping to reduce waste, conserve resources and cut pollution. To improve recycling rates and minimise contamination, the UK government is introducing new regulations that will standardise waste separation for businesses.
From March 2025, all commercial facilities in England with more than 10 full-time employees – including healthcare and academic institutions – must ensure multi-stream recyclable waste is separated at the point of collection. Businesses will need to sort dry recyclables, food waste and general waste before disposal, with any non-compliance potentially leading to significant fines.
By 31st March 2027, the law will then extend to smaller businesses with fewer than 10 employees, with an additional requirement to separate plastic film for recycling.
While some organisations may be concerned about the costs of upgrading their waste management systems, efficient recycling can reduce waste disposal expenses, making it a financially smart investment.
Businesses in sectors such as hospitality, catering, leisure and retail may face added challenges, including high waste volumes, limited space for bins and maintaining hygiene while sorting organic waste. To mitigate these issues, businesses should prioritise staff training and strategic bin placement in high traffic areas to ensure recycling is easy and effective.
To implement a successful recycling strategy, businesses must first conduct a waste audit to understand their current waste streams and identify key areas for improvement. With this data, businesses can then develop a clear recycling strategy tailored to their operations. Engaging waste management experts early on can provide valuable insights, helping businesses optimise their processes while ensuring compliance.
Staff training is essential. Ensuring teams understand the new guidelines and their role in proper waste separation will help prevent contamination and improve recycling rates. Preparing well in advance will mean that businesses can refine their processes, making necessary adjustments before the legislation takes effect.
By embracing Simpler Recycling, organisations can boost recycling rates, cut disposal costs and enhance operational efficiency. Beyond compliance, businesses committed to sustainability can strengthen their brand reputation and appeal to eco-conscious consumers while contributing to a healthier planet.
About Jangro
Jangro is the largest network of independent janitorial distributors across the UK and Europe, leading the cleaning and hygiene industry with innovation, sustainability, and tailored solutions. From eco-friendly products to cutting-edge technologies, Jangro delivers high-quality, cost-effective solutions, empowering businesses to thrive while championing a cleaner, greener, and safer future. For more information, visit www.jangro.net.
