Simpler Recycling
Simpler Recycling
Simpler Recycling is legislation introduced by the UK Government and sets out new legal requirements to make recycling clearer and more consistent across England.
The aim is to remove confusion about what can and cannot be recycled, while standardising recycling practices for homes, businesses and schools. It also ensures waste is managed more responsibly, helping to reduce environmental impact and support more sustainable use of resources.
At a glance
- We can help you be compliant.
- We are frequently reviewing services to align with national regulations.
- Micro-businesses (fewer than 10 employees) have until March 2027 to comply.
What does Simpler Recycling mean?
From 31 March 2025, businesses and other non-household premises with 10 or more full-time employees must:
- Separate recyclable materials from general waste
- Arrange collections for:
- Paper and card
- Plastic
- Metal
- Glass
- Food waste (must always be separated, regardless of quantity)
Micro-firms (fewer than 10 employees) have until 31 March 2027 to comply.
Plastic film collections are expected to be introduced by 2027.
How is Cherwell District Council implementing this?
We are working to ensure our services meet the requirements of Simpler Recycling. Where it is not practical to collect materials separately, we apply the Technically, Environmentally and Economically Practicable (TEEP) approach. This allows some recyclable materials to be collected together where justified. We are currently reviewing our services and working towards full alignment during 2026–2027, including completing formal TEEP assessments.
What does Simpler Recycling mean for your business?
Simpler Recycling legislation introduces new requirements for how businesses manage their waste and recycling.
We’re reviewing our services to make sure they align with these requirements and to help you stay compliant in a straightforward and practical way. Your current collections will continue, and we’ll work with you to make any changes that may be needed.
If updates to the service are required, we will:
- Provide clear and simple guidance
- Give you advance notice
- Support you in making any necessary changes
Our aim is to make compliance as easy as possible for your business. If you have any questions or would like advice, please get in touch — we’re here to help.
Who is ultimately responsible for complying with regulations - the waste producer or the waste collector?
Responsibility is shared as follows:
- The waste collector must provide a collection service compliant with Parts 1 to 7 of Section 45AZA of the EPA 1990 .
- The waste producer (customers/businesses) must present the waste in accordance with the collection arrangements provided by their waste collector (Section 45AZA [part 8]).
Both parties must work together to meet legal requirements.
Do materials always need to be collected separately?
The general requirement is to collect paper and card separately from other recyclable materials. However, where this is not practical, councils can carry out a TEEP (Technically, Environmentally and Economically Practicable) assessment to justify collecting some materials together.
In Cherwell, this means you do not currently need to separate paper and card from other recycling, as collections are carried out together.
Update: Glass recycling for businesses
We have expanded our recycling service to comply with the Simpler Recycling regulations:
- Glass bottles and jars can now be placed in your blue recycling bin.
- Businesses that produce large volumes of glass can request a separate glass collection service (chargeable)
This gives businesses more flexibility while helping increase recycling rates.