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Nearly half of UK small businesses unaware of new simpler recycling reforms, survey reveals

August 9, 2024

Britain's major retailers and food manufacturers are increasing their lobbying efforts to postpone significant environmental reforms that will require them to pay for the collection and recycling of household packaging waste from next year.

A recent survey has revealed that nearly half (42%) of SMEs across the UK are unaware of the forthcoming ‘Simpler Recycling’ reforms, which are set to significantly impact their operations.

The reforms, announced by the Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (Defra) in October 2023, aim to standardise recycling practices nationwide, ensuring consistent recycling services regardless of location.

The Simpler Recycling initiative is part of the government’s broader strategy to enhance recycling rates and reduce waste across the country. The reforms will require both households and businesses to adjust their waste management practices, with significant changes expected by March 2026. Despite the looming deadlines, a staggering 98% of surveyed firms indicated they need more support to implement the required changes effectively.

The survey, which included responses from over 550 small businesses, highlights that the added costs associated with compliance are the primary concern for many. Half of the respondents cited financial challenges as the most significant barrier, underscoring the urgent need for government assistance. In addition to costs, businesses are grappling with practical issues such as finding space for additional recycling bins and training staff to sort waste correctly.

Key aspects of the Simpler Recycling reforms include:

Standardised Recycling Collections: All local authorities in England will be required to collect seven types of recyclable materials, including glass, metal, plastic, paper, and cardboard, with food and garden waste being collected separately.
Weekly Food Waste Collections: Households will benefit from weekly food waste collections, with other residual waste being collected at least once every two weeks.
Business Recycling Requirements: From the end of March 2025, businesses, including schools and hospitals, will need to recycle the same materials as households, excluding garden waste and plastic film.
Digital Waste Tracking: A new digital system will be introduced to monitor waste, aiming to reduce waste crime, which currently costs the UK £1 billion annually.

As the March 2025 deadline approaches, industry stakeholders, including BusinessWaste.co.uk, are calling for increased educational resources and support from the government to help SMEs transition smoothly. The success of the Simpler Recycling initiative, as well as the UK’s broader sustainability goals, hinges on businesses being informed and prepared.

Mark Hall, co-founder of BusinessWaste.co.uk, commented on the situation: “Despite these looming deadlines, SMEs are not yet fully prepared for the shift. My biggest advice is for business owners to start implementing the small changes gradually. Understand how the regulation will affect your business, make a plan, and ease your staff into it. By the time the deadline comes, these changes should already be fully integrated into the business.”

With the clock ticking, it is crucial for small businesses to take proactive steps to align with the new regulations, ensuring they contribute to the UK’s environmental targets while maintaining operational efficiency.