Small businesses in England need to comply with Simpler Recycling by March 2027. Here’s how.

If you run a small business in England, changes to workplace recycling are coming into force next spring. Following the introduction of Simpler Recycling for larger workplaces in 2025 and household collections by local authorities in 2026, micro-firms are next.

From 31 March 2027, companies with fewer than 10 full-time equivalent employees must comply with Simpler Recycling requirements.

Here’s what you need to know.

What waste needs to be collected?

As a default, businesses should prepare to separate their workplace waste into four clear streams:

1. General waste
2. Food waste
3. Paper and card
4. Dry mixed recycling, including plastic, metal and glass.

There is some flexibility. Paper and card can be collected with other dry recyclables if your waste collector collects them together, so check your collection arrangements before deciding exactly what bins you need.

Plastic film and flexible packaging are not part of the March 2027 requirement. Their mandatory collection has now been delayed until 1 April 2030.

What if you rent your workplace?

If you're a small business, there's a good chance you don't manage the building's waste collection yourself.

Your landlord, facilities manager or building management company may already provide communal waste and recycling collections.

Don’t assume you’re covered. Ask your landlord or building manager.

Find out what waste streams are collected from your building and whether the arrangements will meet Simpler Recycling requirements from 31 March 2027.