Simpler Recycling Reforms: What You Need to Know

The UK government has introduced the Simpler Recycling reforms to streamline waste management and improve recycling rates across the country. These reforms mandate that most households and workplaces must use four separate containers for waste collection:

1. Residual (non-recyclable) waste
2. Food waste (which can be mixed with garden waste if appropriate)
3. Paper and card
4. All other dry recyclable materials (including plastic, metal, and glass)

The Secretary of State for Defra has provided additional flexibility for local authorities and waste collectors:

• Additional Containers: Local authorities and waste collectors can offer more separate containers for different types of materials without needing to complete a written assessment.
• Co-collection of Paper and Card: There is local flexibility to co-collect paper and card with other dry materials if separate collection is technically or economically impracticable or provides no significant environmental benefit. This is particularly relevant for high-rise flats or houses with limited outside space. Waste collectors must produce a short written assessment explaining their decision. Guidance and a template for this assessment have been published alongside this announcement.

• Implementation: Local authorities and waste collectors should start implementing these changes as soon as possible to comply with the new regulations.
• Assessment: Waste collectors opting for co-collection must complete a short written assessment using the provided template.

To ensure a smooth transition to the new system, local authorities and waste collectors are encouraged to:

• Assess Collection Options: Evaluate the most efficient and practical collection methods for their specific areas.
• Draft TEEP Response: Utilise the provided guidance and template to draft the necessary TEEP (Technically, Environmentally, and Economically Practicable) response for co-collection decisions.

If need further assistance with drafting your TEEP response or assessing your collection options, feel free to reach out for support. Let’s work together to make recycling simpler and more effective!