Is your business ready for the new recycling rules?
Every workplace in England must now separate its rubbish into three streams. Answer five quick questions to find out your deadline and exactly what you need to arrange.
Check my businessFree. Takes about two minutes. Your answers stay on your device.
The two-minute check
Based on the official GOV.UK guidance for workplace recycling in England.
Where is your business based?
These rules cover workplaces in England. Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland have their own rules.
How many people do you employ?
Count employees across all your sites, not just one. Don't count yourself if you're self-employed, and don't count contractors, freelancers or volunteers.
How is your rubbish collected now?
Pick the option closest to your situation.
Which of these do you already have?
Tick everything that's collected separately from your premises today. Leave blank if none.
Does your workplace produce any of these?
Tick any that apply. This helps us tailor your action list.
The rules in plain English
Since 31 March 2025, workplaces in England must keep three types of waste apart before it's collected. Businesses with fewer than 10 full-time equivalent employees have until 31 March 2027.
Dry recycling
- Glass bottles and jars
- Cans, tins, foil and aerosols
- Plastic bottles, pots, tubs, trays and cartons
- Paper and cardboard, normally kept separate from the rest
Food waste
Required even if you don't serve food or have a kitchen, however little you produce. Tea bags, coffee grounds, fruit peel and lunch leftovers all count.
General waste
Everything that can't be recycled, such as tissues, wet wipes, crisp packets and anything labelled "compostable" or "biodegradable".
Common questions
How do I count part-time staff?
Add a fraction based on their hours. Two people each working half the usual full-time week count as one full-time equivalent. Contractors, self-employed workers and volunteers don't count.
I have several small shops. Am I a micro-firm?
It's the total across your whole business that counts. Three shops with five staff each makes fifteen employees, so you're not a micro-firm and the rules have applied since 31 March 2025, at every location.
Do I need to register for the micro-firm exemption?
No. If you have fewer than 10 full-time equivalent employees, you automatically have until 31 March 2027. There's nothing to apply for.
Do I need separate bins for every material?
No, not one per material. You need dry recycling, food waste and general waste kept apart. Within dry recycling, paper and card should normally be collected separately from plastic, metal and glass. Your collector can only combine them if they've assessed in writing that separate collection isn't practical, so ask them what they need from you.
What happens if I don't comply?
The Environment Agency can issue a compliance notice. Failing to follow a compliance notice is an offence. Anyone can report a workplace that isn't following the rules.
Can my staff just take food waste home?
No. The official guidance says you shouldn't ask staff to take food waste home. On-site composting is allowed as an alternative, but there are rules to follow and most workplaces can't compost everything.