What is the Simpler Recycling Policy?
If you’re in the hospitality industry in England, you’ll have heard of the government’s new Simpler Recycling regulations. If you’re a business with 10 or more employees*, then you’ll have started making the changes in March this year. Essentially, it’s a legislation to reduce waste and make recycling more effective by separating rubbish before it’s collected, including any waste produced by employees, customers and visitors.
Designed by Freepik
Isn't It All Just a Load of Rubbish?
Well, yes - talking about waste isn’t the most exciting of subjects, but we all understand how important it is to look after our planet and adopt sustainable practices that are kinder to the environment.
According to the gov.uk website, the new default requirement for any workplace, including all hotels, restaurants, pubs, cafes, and leisure sites will be to provide four containers for:
- Residual (non-recyclable) waste
- Food waste (mixed with garden waste if appropriate)
- Paper and cardboard
- All other dry recyclable materials (plastic, metal and glass)
It might seem like a lot of work, but these actions, along with a concerted effort to actively reduce non-recyclable and food waste, will not only benefit the environment but can also lead to significant cost savings and an enhanced brand image.
What Does Simpler Recycling Mean for my Business?
The Sustainable Restaurant Association explains that biggest change for hospitality businesses will be the new requirement to separate food waste from general waste; all food waste will now need to be collected and stored separately.
In practical terms, it’s means you’ll need more bins. Because this legislation came into effect in March, it’s likely that you may have adopted a quick or temporary solution and are now looking for something permanent and in keeping with the style of your venue.
At Eclipse Furniture, we understand that ‘off the shelf’ bins may not be up to the job or present your brand in the right way, so we can work with you to create a bespoke recycling station that will make it easier for you and your customers. We’ve already provided bespoke bins for a variety of hospitality businesses across England and pride ourselves on promoting sustainability with style.
Get In Touch...
At Eclipse Furniture, we offer bespoke furnishing solutions to hospitality and leisure business across the UK. Contact us today on 01452 336 520 or email sales@eclipsefurniture.co.uk for a complimentary consultation and let us help you find the perfect furniture for your business.
*Businesses with fewer than 10 full-time equivalent employees will have until 31st March 2027 to arrange for recycling of core recyclable waste streams.
FAQs
What is the UK Simpler Recycling legislation, and does it apply to my hospitality business?
The UK government’s Simpler Recycling rules require all businesses, charities, and public sector organisations in England to separate core recyclable waste streams from general residual waste before collection. For hospitality venues like restaurants, cafes, pubs, and hotels, this means providing separate containers for dry recyclables (paper, card, plastic, metal, and glass), food waste, and residual waste to prevent landfill contamination and improve overall recycling efficiency.
What is the deadline for businesses to comply with the Simpler Recycling rules?
For businesses with 10 or more full-time equivalent (FTE) employees, compliance became mandatory on 31st March 2025. Micro-businesses with fewer than 10 FTE employees have an extended deadline until 31st March 2027 to put separate waste collection streams into place. However, preparing early ensures your venue avoids potential non-compliance fines from the Environment Agency and establishes clean waste practices ahead of time.
Why do hospitality venues need separate food waste recycling bins?
Under the new regulations, food waste—including kitchen prep scraps, plate leftovers, tea bags, and coffee grounds—can no longer be thrown into general waste bins. Because commercial kitchens and dining areas generate high volumes of organic waste, separating food waste at the source reduces general bin weight, cuts commercial waste disposal costs, and allows food waste to be processed cleanly via anaerobic digestion or composting.
Why should hospitality venues invest in bespoke recycling stations rather than standard bins?
Off-the-shelf commercial bins are often bulky, difficult to integrate into small dining spaces, and clash with a venue's interior aesthetic. Bespoke recycling stations from Eclipse Furniture allow hospitality managers to match bin finishes to their front-of-house décor, clearly label compliance streams for customers and staff, and optimise footprint size to keep dining spaces clean, attractive, and fully compliant.
