Following the UK government’s policy update for Simpler Recycling in England due to come into force on 31 March 2025, Steve Gough, Chief Executive at Valpak, a Reconomy Company, has commented, “This update confirms what materials have to be collected at kerbside and leaves the exact implementation details to be decided locally – a decision Valpak support. The consistency of what materials are to be collected will dovetail with any future labelling requirements, making it clearer to consumers how they can participate in the most effective manner. This is a crucial element of the overall puzzle to promote the circular economy – the first step begins with consumers managing household materials. The timeline provided now allows all stakeholders to plan with more certainty and these changes will support producers in achieving the best value under EPR.”
Under the Simpler Recycling regulations, paper and cardboard will need to be collected separately from other materials unless waste collectors opt for mixed collections. Workplaces must separate dry recyclables, food waste, and black bin residual waste starting 31 March 2025 (or 2027 for micro-firms with fewer than 10 employees). Workplaces can decide container sizes and collection frequencies based on waste volume, but must ensure proper segregation. From April 2025, the public can report workplaces not adhering to Simpler Recycling regulations to the Environment Agency.
