Dorset businesses and organisations are being reminded of their new responsibilities as the government brings in important new legislation around waste and recycling in 2025.
‘Simpler Recycling in England’ is the new set of regulations designed to make recycling easier, by standardising recycling and waste collection systems nationwide.
Dorset Council currently provides the required core waste collections to households, so there are no immediate changes for residents. But businesses and other organisations will need to check they are following the new rules when they are introduced in the coming months.
Businesses (except micro-businesses*) and other non-household municipal premises (eg. schools, hospitals, village halls, churches etc.) need to be following the new rules by 31 March 2025.
This means all organisations will need to have separate collections for glass (bottles and jars), metal (tins, cans, foil etc.), plastic, paper and cardboard, and for food waste. These items will no longer be accepted when mixed in one general waste bin or bag.
Depending on your waste collection provider, most organisations will only need three or four bins:
- Dry mixed recycling (paper, metal tins/cans/foil, and plastics)
- Food waste
- General waste (anything that cannot be recycled)
- Glass (bottles and jars) may need to be kept separate.
*Micro-businesses with fewer than 10 employees have until 31 March 2027 to become compliant. At this stage, plastic film will also be included in all recycling collections.
All businesses are being urged to review their current waste collection and disposal practices, and work with their waste collection provider to identify where changes are needed. They may need to invest in new recycling bins, signage, and other measures.
Cllr Jon Andrews, Dorset Council’s Cabinet Member for Place Services, said:
“The ‘Simpler Recycling in England’ rules will enable consistent, more streamlined collections from all households, businesses, and other non-domestic premises.
“But all Dorset businesses need to be ready for the changes. If you don’t currently have separate recycling and food waste collections arranged, you’ll need to get these in place before the new rules kick in. I strongly urge all business-owners and managers to review their waste collections as soon as possible so you don’t get left behind.
“You should also make sure your employees are aware of the reforms, so they not only have the right bins available, but that they are used correctly.”
You can find out more information at our Simpler Recycling webpage.
