The UK government have recently introduced an updated recycling scheme, aimed at combatting the guessing work related to waste and recycling collections. Now, every business must separate and have collected the same waste bins. This is to encourage correct recycling behaviours within the workplace, and make strides towards the governments ambitions to recycle 65% of municipal waste by 2035 and the circular economy strategy. This is a welcomed advancement as it means that every waste carrier and local council need to collect the same types of waste.
Since 31st March 2025, businesses with over 10 full time employees and other relevant non-domestic premises have had to comply with this new scheme. This means that each workplace has to collect residual waste, food waste, paper and card, and then all other dry recyclable materials (glass, plastics, metals). Each waste group must be collected and sorted separately so that there is no contamination in the waste streams. However, glass, plastic and metal can be co-collected as these materials typically have a smaller contamination risk. Each business or relevant non-domestic premises must organise waste collection with a waste carrier.
Local authorities will be required to collect the same waste streams from all households from 31st March 2026. Micro-firms with fewer than 10 full time employees will have until 31st March 2027 to comply with the scheme. By the same 2027 date, kerbside collections of plastic films will also be introduced. This means that pallet wrap and other flexible plastics will be able to be collected and recycled much more easily.
Our packaging experts are always on hand with the necessary information needed to correctly determine which waste stream a packaging component should go into. If you have any questions relating to our packaging products, please contact our team today.
Our products can also be clearly marked with an OPRL (On Pack Recycling Labelling) label upon request, making it even easier for your end consumer to identify the packaging material and correct waste stream. The OPRL labels are the most recognised of their kind, making them a great option for clear material recycling identification.
Many of our products can be recycled easily. For example, our paper tapes don’t even have to be separated from the cardboard box in order for them to be recycled. Making the switch to paper tape will also reduce your plastic usage and can be a cost-effective way of packaging your products.
