Starting 31st March 2025, businesses across England will face new regulations mandating the separation of dry recycling and food waste from general waste. In line with the UK government’s sustainability goals under the Environment Act 2021, is a pivotal step toward minimising the environmental impact of commercial waste.

Under the new regulations, waste must be separated at the source before it is collected. This means businesses are responsible for ensuring recyclable and food waste is sorted appropriately on-site.  Additionally, the use of equipment such as macerators and similar food waste treatment devices will no longer be allowed.

Key Waste Streams to Separate

Businesses must manage their waste according to the following categories:

• Food Waste: All food waste should be handled sustainably.
• Dry Mixed Recyclables: This includes paper, cardboard, plastics, metals, and other recyclable materials.
• General Waste: Non-recyclable items fall into this category.

Businesses that fail to comply with these requirements may face financial penalties, reinforcing the importance of adhering to the new waste management standards. Starting in April 2025, members of the public and other stakeholders will have the ability to report workplaces that fail to comply with these regulations to the Environment Agency.

Who Needs to Comply?

This legislation applies to businesses, public sector organisations, and third-sector institutions with 10 or more employees. Affected entities include:

• Restaurants and cafés
• Offices and co-working spaces
• Schools and educational institutions
• Hospitals and healthcare facilities
• Transport hubs such as train stations and airports

Smaller businesses, while not immediately required to comply, are encouraged to adopt these practices early to benefit from cost savings and reduced environmental impact.