Is Your Business Ready for Simpler Recycling? Key Steps Before March 2025
From March 2025, all businesses in England must follow new Simpler Recycling rules, introduced by the government to make recycling more consistent and reduce waste going to landfill. For businesses in Breckland, this means changes to how you manage your recyclables and food waste.
This blog explains what's changing, what your business needs to do, and how these changes will affect areas including Watton, Dereham, Attleborough, Thetford, and Swaffham.
What Is Simpler Recycling?
Simpler Recycling is a new government initiative that standardises what can be recycled across all homes and businesses in England. From March 2025, all businesses in Breckland will be legally required to separate six key waste streams:
- Glass
- Metal
- Plastic
- Paper and card
- Food waste
- Garden waste (where relevant)
Food Waste Collection in Breckland
One of the biggest changes is the introduction of separate food waste collections for all eligible businesses. If your business produces food waste, for example, cafés, restaurants, schools, care homes, or offices with kitchens, you will need to separate it from other general waste.
Where will this apply?
Food waste collection services will be rolled out across:
- Watton
- Attleborough
- Dereham
- Thetford
- Swaffham
- And other parts of Breckland
By starting preparations now, businesses in these towns can make a smooth transition and avoid future non-compliance.
Why This Matters for Your Business
Failing to follow the new recycling rules could result in:
- Increased waste disposal costs
- Potential fines or enforcement action
- Missed opportunities to improve sustainability and corporate reputation
Preparing early also gives you time to speak with your current waste provider about service changes or consider new options.
Simple Steps to Get Ready
- Audit your waste - understand what types of waste your business produces.
- Train staff - ensure everyone knows how to separate food waste and recyclables.
- Label bins clearly - make it easy for everyone to dispose of waste correctly.
- Speak with your waste contractor - check if they will be offering separate collections for food waste and recyclables
Support for Breckland Businesses
We'll continue to provide updates and support through the Business Waste service. Whether you're based in Watton, Attleborough, Dereham, Thetford, or Swaffham, we're here to help you understand what Simpler Recycling and food waste collection mean for your business.
Need Help?
Our Business Waste team at Breckland Council is here to support you. We'll help make the transition to Simpler Recycling as easy as possible.
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