Concern for small businesses as recycling reforms loom

25 March 2025 by CSG

A waste management expert has expressed concern over a lack of readiness amongst small businesses ahead of new recycling laws that come into force next month.

Helen Bentham, Sustainable Contracts Manager at leading waste management company CSG, said she believes most large organisations are prepared for the Government’s Simpler Recycling reforms, which take effect on April 1.

But Helen said many smaller businesses are yet to take action to address the legislation – and others are simply unaware to the changes.

Under the new legislation, any business in England with more than 10 full-time employees must separate business waste into dry recyclable waste, food waste, glass and residual waste.

“This legislation has been on the horizon for a short while but it’s clear to me, with less than two weeks to go, many small businesses do not fully understand what is required,” said Helen.

“Most larger businesses will have a waste provider in place and those providers should be communicating the changes, but that’s not the case for smaller operators. We have seen an influx in the number of businesses getting in touch with us trying to urgently get their processes in order.

“I read one report this week that claimed 76% of office workers are unaware of Simpler Recycling or how it will affect them.

“In time, this legislation should make recycling a simpler process for employees – but leaders of small businesses need to understand and acknowledge what is required of them.

“The most important thing is having separate containers for the different types of waste. That should be the starting point for all businesses.”

Helen believes while most people are familiar with the concept and need to separate dry recyclable materials from general waste, food recycling still requires greater awareness.

She said: “Food waste can be a valuable resource as it is usually sent to Anaerobic Digestion plants to produce biogas, which can be used to generate electricity.

“But when we carry out waste audits at businesses of all sizes, it’s clear many workers still throw away their lunch leftovers in general waste. In many cases it’s because they do not have the option of a designated food waste bin.

“From April 1 onwards, this will not be acceptable for businesses with more than 10 employees.”

Businesses that fail to comply with the Simpler Recycling reforms may receive a compliance notice from the Environment Agency. Ignoring this can lead to fines or further enforcement action.

The legislation is expected to extend to businesses with less than 10 full-time employees by April 1 2027.

CSG provides a total waste management solution to businesses of all sizes, which includes waste mapping to determine where waste streams can be eliminated or, at least, reduced.

CSG also offers a free total waste management audit to ensure legal compliance and to explore whether disposal costs can be reduced.

“We added more than £2,000 to one business’ bottom line simply by reducing its number of bins,” said Helen.