Environment agency confirms new charging approach for simpler recycling
The Environment Agency (EA) has confirmed changes to how it will recover the costs of regulatory work linked to the simpler recycling reforms, following a public consultation.
Under the new approach, the EA will apply a £118 hourly “time and materials” charge where regulatory work is required due to non‑compliance. The charge applies only to businesses and occupiers of relevant non‑domestic premises that fail to meet the recycling requirements.
Why the change?
The updated charging model is designed to ensure that the cost of enforcement falls on non‑compliant businesses, rather than those that meet their obligations. This reflects the polluter pays principle and aligns with how the EA recovers costs for other technical regulatory services.
The hourly rate is based on an assessment of the staff time and activities needed to carry out compliance checks and enforcement work.
Consultation outcome
Feedback on the proposals was mostly positive, with respondents commenting on fairness, customer impact, environmental protection, and the design of the charging scheme. After reviewing all responses, the EA decided to implement the charge as proposed, without changes.
When it takes effect
The revised charges will apply from 3 February 2026. The updated charging scheme has now been published on GOV.UK.
What this means for businesses
- Compliant businesses will not be charged
- Non‑compliance may result in hourly regulatory charges
- Early compliance helps avoid additional costs and regulatory intervention
For businesses, the message is clear: meeting simpler recycling requirements reduces both regulatory risk and cost.
The EA have published and updated their documents regarding charges (these charges started from 3/2/2026) Read the full details here:
Celebrating our CHAS certification: a milestone in Health & Safety excellence
Ensuring your waste provider is fully compliant is not just a legal requirement, it’s a cornerstone of responsible business practice. Compliance means your provider follows strict regulations for handling, transporting, and disposing of waste, protecting public health, the environment, and your company’s reputation. Non-compliance can lead to heavy fines, legal penalties, environmental harm, and loss of trust.
We are thrilled to announce that we have been awarded the prestigious CHAS certification after demonstrating full compliance with CHAS standards, in line with the requirements of SSIP Core Criteria and UK Health & Safety Legislation.
The CHAS certification is a powerful signal that we (and by extension, our waste management partners) meet rigorous standards for health, safety, and risk management. Recognised across the UK as a benchmark for compliance, CHAS streamlines pre-qualification and proves our commitment to best practices. CHAS accreditation covers multiple areas, including health & safety, environmental management, and supply chain risk, ensuring that all contractors and suppliers are assessed against industry-leading criteria.
What this means to us
- Pride in our people: This certification reflects our team’s hard work and professionalism.
- Confidence for our clients: Partners and customers can trust that we operate to the highest standards.
- A safer future: We are committed to continuous improvement, making sure Health & Safety remains at the heart of everything we do.
Clare Verity, Director and Founder said:
“We are delighted to have been awarded the CHAS certification after demonstrating compliance with the CHAS standards in line with the requirements of SSIP Core Criteria and UK Health & Safety Legislation. This achievement reflects our commitment to upholding high standardsacross a wide range of risk areas. It gives our customers confidence that both Footprint and our contractors are dedicated to compliance and safety, which is at the heart of everything we do.”
You can check if your waste provider is CHAS-approved using the official CHAS portal, which lists accredited contractors and suppliers. This ensures your supply chain is robust, compliant, and aligned with your own standards.