Simpler Recycling regulations for businesses

New Simpler Recycling regulations for UK businesses will come into effect from 31 March 2025. This means that all workplaces (businesses and non-domestic premises) in England have a legal duty to separate the following waste for collection:

dry recyclable materials - plastic, metal, glass, paper and card
food waste
black bin waste (residual waste)

Micro-firms (an organisation with fewer than 10 full-time equivalent employees) will receive a two-year exemption and will be legally required to comply with the new requirements from 31 March 2027. However, there may be business advantages for micro-firms to comply sooner.

What does this mean for your business?

From 31 March 2025, if your organisation has over 10 full time employees, then you will need to ensure all food waste and dry recycling is separated out from other waste and presented separately for collection by an approved contractor.

How we can help you

Food waste collections

Our Commercial Waste and Recycling Service can collect food waste for you. We offer an easy, affordable, and reliable way of collecting and disposing of your waste and recycling from your business.

We can supply caddies and transparent liners for the collection of food waste to help you keep your internal food preparation areas clean and hygienic. There's a variety of sizes of internal caddies and external bins, so you can choose ones that suit business's needs.

Dry recycling collections

Our Commercial Waste and Recycling Service can collect all your dry recyclable materials, namely plastic, metal, glass, paper and card. If your business produces larger quantities of clean glass for recycling, we can collect this separately from other dry recyclables - this can help make your waste disposal more cost-effective for you.

The benefits of using our service to collect your waste and recycling

Cost-effective and bespoke option
- We can offer you a competitive price and bespoke collection schedules to suit you, no matter how big or small your business is.
- We have no hidden fees or additional charges. There's no lengthy contract tie in, just a flexible offer that works for you.
Compliance and peace of mind
- Using our service ensures you remain compliant with local and national waste disposal regulations, avoiding costly fines or legal issues.
- We keep to all necessary environmental standards and legislation, so you have peace of mind that your waste is being managed responsibly.
Support for Sunderland's economy
- By choosing ours service, you're supporting local services and helping to build a stronger, more sustainable Sunderland economy.
- We reinvest income from waste services back into the city, supporting local infrastructure and public services that benefit everyone.
Helping the environment and sustainability
- Sustainability is one of our main priorities. We ensure that waste is collected and disposed of responsibly.
- We operate in line with local and national recycling targets, which can enhance your business.
- The routes of our collection vehicles are carefully planned to reduce fuel use and minimise any negative environmental impact.
- We want to help you contribute to a cleaner, greener Sunderland.
Support and advice
- We're available to help and support you, if needed. In the future you'll also have access to your waste documents and associated collection data 24/7 via our online portal.

Get started today

For more details about our Commercial Waste and Recycling Services and the new Simpler Recycling regulations, and to obtain a tailored quote for your business, please complete the short enquiry form below or email commercial.services@sunderland.gov.uk

Commercial waste and recycling services enquiry form

You can find out more about the Simpler Recycling legislation by visiting www.gov.uk/guidance/simpler-recycling-workplace-recycling-in-england