UK Waste Regulations Round Up
Over the past year, the UK has undergone the most significant overhaul of waste management regulations in decades. With new regulations, change, and progress, 2026 marks the transition from policy rollout to full enforcement, with new rules designed to boost recycling, increase transparency, and drive sustainability.
2026 Simpler Recycling
Businesses with 10+ full-time employees have been required to comply with Simpler Recycling regulations since 2025. From 31st March 2026, the Simpler Recycling rules also applied to households in England. All English local authorities were expected to provide weekly collections for:
- Food waste (and garden waste in some areas)
- Paper and card
- Dry recyclables (glass, metal and plastic)
- General (non‑recyclable) waste
However, some councils have varying roll-out timelines and have been granted a transitional exemption to complete these regulations.
From 31st March 2027, the regulations will extend to micro‑businesses with fewer than 10 employees. For full details and any exemptions, refer to the official guidance.
Extended Producer Responsibility (pEPR) for packaging
Extended Producer Responsibility (pEPR) for packaging makes brands and retailers responsible for the packaging they place on the UK market. pEPR is administered by PackUK on behalf of Defra and applies across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
How the Scheme Works
- Producer fees: Large businesses (turnover over £2 million, handling more than 50 tonnes of packaging annually) pay fees based on the amount and type of packaging they supply. Read more about the 2026 to 2027 PackUK operational plan.
- Material penalties: Fees are modulated; hard-to-recycle materials cost more, while easily recyclable or reusable options are cheaper. Read more about the importance of these changes.
- Reporting: Businesses must report packaging activity data, packaging type, material and weight, and UK nation supplied.
- Funding local authorities: The revenue generated - over £1.4 billion in recent years - is distributed directly to local councils to upgrade local recycling infrastructure and services. Read more about year one packaging fees.
Exemptions and Exclusions
- Small businesses: firms with a turnover under £1- £2 million or who produce 25 - 50 tonnes of packaging are exempt from the fees.
- Deposit Return Scheme (DRS): Steel, aluminium, and PET plastic drink containers are handled under the UK's separate DRS scheme and are not charged under pEPR.
Check your business obligations on the UK Government Extended Producer Responsibility Guidance
2026 Plastic Packaging Tax Rise
On the 1st April 2026, the UK Plastic Packaging Tax (PPT) rate increased to £228.82 per tonne for plastic packaging containing less than 30% recycled content. If you manufacture or import, the 10‑tonne registration threshold remains unchanged, meaning businesses must still register based on volume, even if no tax is payable.
With the new rate changes coming into effect, it is an important time for businesses to review their obligations and compliance processes. Read the official guidance for a review of the full breakdown, component rules and how to register.
Mandatory Digital Waste Tracking
In April 2026, DEFRA’s Digital Waste Tracking replaces the paper-based records Waste Transfer Notes, making waste movements fully traceable. Responsibility for accurate data remains with the waste producer, not just contractors and will improve compliance, transparency, and efficiency for businesses.
Waste data will be logged digitally, showing:
- Where waste originates
- How it is transported
- Where it is processed or disposed of.
The UK government are deploying the system through a two-phase approach:
Phase 1: Waste Receivers (Sites & Facilities)
- April 2026: The official portal opened for Public Beta testing. Permitted operators are actively encouraged to log transactions voluntarily to prepare.
- October 2026: Compliance becomes legally mandatory for approximately 12,000 permitted waste receiving sites in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland.
- January 2027: The digital tracking service becomes fully mandatory for all waste carriers, brokers, dealers, and exporters.
Phase 2: Waste Collectors (Carriers, Brokers, & Dealers)
- Autumn 2026: Initial private beta launch for select registered waste collectors.
- Spring 2027: Public beta testing opens for all waste transportation businesses.
- October 2027: The digital tracking service becomes fully mandatory for all waste carriers, brokers, dealers, and exporters.
2027 Deposit Return Scheme (DRS)
In January 2025, a new legislation was passed that a refundable deposit will be added to all single-use drink containers. Rollout is expected to launch in October 2027, with consumers claiming a deposit when returned to participating retailers for containers that:
- Are made from PET plastic, steel, or aluminium (excludes glass)
- Single-use drink containers with a capacity of between 150ml and 3 litres.
The scheme will support a circular economy, reduce litter, improve recycling quality, and retrieve and recycle valuable materials. It will affect producers who manufacture in-scope drinks, businesses that import drinks to the UK, and companies that fill and seal drink containers to order.
Read the UK Government policy here: GOV.UK DRS Guide. For retailer responsibilities and requirements, please refer to GOV.UK guidance.
2026 – 2028 The UK Emissions Trading Scheme (UK ETS)
The UK Emissions Trading Scheme (UK ETS) is expanding to include Energy from Waste (EfW) and waste incineration over a two-year phased transition period. The transition will feature a voluntary Monitoring, Reporting, and Verification (MRV) phase before mandatory carbon allowances take effect in 2028. Read more at Read more about voluntary monitoring reporting and verification (MRV) period for EfW and waste incineration
Tobacco & Vapes Act 2026
Specific collection and recycling targets for vapes come into force in 2026. Producers will face obligations based on the volumes they place on the market. Non-compliance can result in fines and enforcement action.
Vapes and e-cigarettes are subject to dedicated WEEE (Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment) rules in the UK. Since 12 August 2025, they fall under the new Category 15, separate from other small electrical items. This change, combined with the Tobacco and Vapes Act 2026, means businesses across the supply chain face clearer and stricter obligations around collection, traceability, and recycling.
What Category 15 Covers
- Disposable and rechargeable vapes
- Pods, cartridges, and refillable devices
- Associated charging equipment
- Heated tobacco products
These items contain batteries, electronics, plastics, and metals, creating both environmental risks (especially fire hazards from lithium batteries) and valuable recycling opportunities.
How Footprint Recycling Supports Your Business
Footprint Recycling helps businesses understand, prepare for, and comply with the latest waste regulations.
Our step-by-step support process
- Assess and optimise - We review your current waste management systems and identify opportunities to improve efficiency, reduce waste, and meet new separation requirements.
- Train your team - We provide practical training on the latest waste separation rules, reporting requirements, and best practices so your staff know exactly what to do.
- Implement the right solutions - We install and manage the correct waste equipment on-site (if required) and set up digital waste tracking systems to ensure full compliance and transparency.
- Organise reliable collections - We arrange and manage regular waste collections tailored to your business needs, ensuring materials are collected on time and processed correctly.
- Ensure ongoing compliance - We provide hands-on advice, regular reviews, and proactive support so you stay ahead of regulatory changes and avoid costly fines.
Ready for the future, contact Footprint Recycling to review your strategy and ensure your business is prepared for the new era of UK waste regulations.
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:
Unlocking the insights of waste management
Managing waste responsibly is more than just a regulatory requirement, it’s a smart business move.
Every business generates a variety of waste types, from paper and plastics to electronics and food scraps. But do you know where your waste goes after it leaves your premises? Here we provide an overview of the main categories of waste commonly found in businesses, how each is collected, and what happens during the recycling process. Some processes may vary pending on types of waste, the supplier used.
Our goal is to help you identify your waste streams and make informed decisions that benefit both your business and the environment.
Paper and cardboard
- Collection: Separate bins for office paper, packaging, newspapers, and shredded documents. We can also arrange special waste collections for confidential waste.
- Recycling Process: Sorted to remove contaminants, shredded and mixed with water to create pulp, cleaned, refined, and pressed into new paper or cardboard products. Cardboard is often baled for efficient storage and transportation.
Plastics
- Collection: designated bins for different plastic types (e.g., PET, HDPE).
- Recycling Process: Plastics are sorted by type, cleaned, shredded, melted, and remolded into pellets for manufacturing new products. Some plastics require specialised recycling due to chemical composition.
Paper, cardboard, and plastics can also be collected together as part of our dry mixed recycling (DMR), where they are subsequently sorted and separated on-site. Download our DMR poster here.
Glass
- Collection: Separate containers for glass bottles, jars, and other glass items.
- Recycling Process: Glass is cleaned, sorted by color, crushed, and melted to form new glass products. Contaminants like ceramics or metals are removed during sorting.
Metals
- Collection: Bins for aluminum cans, steel, copper, and other scrap metals.
- Recycling Process: Metals are sorted, cleaned, melted, and reformed into new metal products. Aluminum and steel are among the most efficiently recycled materials.
Food and Organic Waste
- Collection: Separate bins for food scraps, coffee grounds, and biodegradable packaging. Download our Food Waste Poster.
- Recycling Process: Sent to composting facilities or anaerobic digestion plants to produce compost or biogas. This reduces landfill use and generates renewable energy.
Electronic Waste
- Collection: Special containers for computers, printers, mobile phones, and other electronics.
- Recycling Process: Electronic waste is dismantled, hazardous components are safely removed, and valuable metals and plastics are recovered for reuse.
Hazardous Waste
- Collection: Secure containers for chemicals, batteries (including e-cigarettes - vapes), fluorescent bulbs, and medical waste.
- Recycling/Disposal: Requires specialised handling and treatment to neutralise toxins, often through incineration, biological treatment to break it down, chemical treatment to make it non-hazardous, or specialised, secure landfill.
Construction and Demolition Waste
- Collection: Skips or bins for concrete, bricks, wood, glass, and metals.
- Recycling Process: Materials are sorted, cleaned, and reused in new construction projects or recycled into raw materials.
Implementation
- Waste Audits: Regularly analyse waste streams to identify reduction opportunities.
- Employee Training: Educate staff on proper sorting and recycling procedures.
- Technology Integration: Use smart bins and tracking software to optimise collection and recycling.
- Circular Economy: Design products for durability, repairability, and recyclability; implement take-back programmes.
- Compliance: Ensure full adherence to all regulations governing waste disposal and recycling. This is especially crucial following the introduction of Simpler Recycling.
Implementing these practices is not just about environmental stewardship it’s a strategic business decision that delivers financial, operational, reputational, and social benefits.
If you’d like more details or want a free audit of your business get in touch.
Simpler Recycling Reform: Food Waste Disposal
As part of the Simpler Recycling Reform, it's now essential for businesses with more than 10 full-time employees (or equivalent) to follow the new regulations, including disposing of food waste separately. This includes tea bags, leftovers, out-of-date food, and more. Effective food waste management can significantly contribute to environmental sustainability and reduce landfill usage.
Why separate your food waste?
Separating your food waste can have numerous benefits:
- Environmental impact: Proper food waste disposal reduces methane emissions from landfills, significantly contributing to climate change.
- Resource recovery: Food waste can be composted, turning it into valuable nutrient rich soil that can be used in agriculture and gardening.
- Reducing landfill waste: By diverting food waste from landfills, you will also save money, as removing food from your general waste will significantly affect the amount you have to pay to dispose of it. It costs more in landfill taxes than it does to take food waste to an AD plant.
What can be disposed of as food waste?
To ensure the effectiveness and efficiency of the new food waste recycling regulations, following the guidelines about what items can be included and which should be avoided is crucial. This helps maintain the quality of the compost produced and prevents contamination.
- Fruit and vegetable scraps: peels, cores, and any other parts of fruits and vegetables.
- Meat and fish scraps: including bones and shells.
- Dairy products: cheese, yoghurt, and other dairy items.
- Bread and pastries: any baked goods.
- Eggshells: crushed or whole.
- Coffee grounds and filters: including tea bags.
- Leftover food: cooked or uncooked food remnants (including out-of-date food).
What shouldn't go in
- Metal: no metal items.
- Glass: glass containers or fragments are not permitted.
- Plastic: non-biodegradable plastic items.
- Hazardous waste: chemicals, batteries, and other hazardous materials.
- Pet waste: cat litter and animal faeces.
- Garden waste
- Non-compostable biodegradables: bioplastics that do not break down in compost.
What happens to food waste?
All of the food waste we collect is processed through anaerobic digestion facilities. This process generates renewable energy and produces organic fertiliser, resulting in greenhouse gas savings that are six times greater than composting.
What could be more rewarding than knowing that your food waste is being transformed into renewable biogas and electricity, making your premises more sustainable? It also produces organic fertiliser that enriches our soils and supports the growth of food.
Further Information
Food and drink waste hierarchy: deal with surplus and waste
Simpler recycling: workplace recycling in England
Or you can get in touch with us if you have any further questions.
How has your business adapted to the new Simpler Recycling Reform?
Almost a month in, how has your business adapted to the new Simpler Recycling Reform?
We’ve pulled together a quick round up of what’s what in the world of simpler recycling. As we all know the law in England around recycling recently changed, requiring businesses to recycle a core set of recyclable materials.
When did it happen?
- 31 March 2025 – for businesses with 10 or more full-time equivalent (FTE) employees.
- 31 March 2026 – Local authorities must collect all dry recyclable materials and food waste from households.
- 31 March 2027 – if you have fewer than 10 FTE employees in total across all of your premises.
- 31 March 2027 – Inclusion of plastic film packaging and plastic waste streams.
What needs to be recycled?
You should be recycling the following materials.
- Food waste
- Paper and card
- Plastic bottles, pots, tubs and trays, and cartons (cleaned for DMR)
- Metal tins and cans, foil and empty aerosols
- Glass bottles and jars
This is a legal requirement and ignoring the changes could result in compliance action being taken against your business.
Who should be following the new guidelines
All workplaces in England, including:
- Businesses
- Care homes
- Educational establishments
- Healthcare establishments
- Places of worship
- Penal institutes
- Charity shops
- Residential hostels
- Premises used for public meetings
Still unsure what you should be doing?
- Speak to Footprint Recycling or your waste collector to check if your current services meet the requirements or if you need to make any changes (waste audit).
- Tell your staff about any new processes and how to recycle correctly. This might include training sessions and internal campaigns, including signage on bins, posters, email footers, etc., as a reminder.
- Decide how frequently recycling and food waste collections should be, based on the amount of waste you produce.
Further information
You should check the government website for guidance.
Defra has funded the Waste and Resources Action Programme (WRAP) to develop the Business of Recycling Website . This provides guidance and resources for specific business sectors and non-domestic premises, such as schools and hospitals, on making the required changes.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is changing?
Recycling law has changed in England. All workplaces (businesses and relevant non-domestic premises) must recycle the same core materials.
Why is the UK Government making these changes?
The UK Government want to move to a future where we keep our resources in use for longer and reduce waste to landfill. Increased recycling and separate collection of food waste will help to reduce carbon emissions associated with waste and will support the nation's path to net zero.
What do I need to do?
You will need to ensure that your waste collection service arranges for recyclable materials to be collected separately from your general waste and present your waste in accordance with Simpler Recycling requirements. The recyclable waste streams are plastic, metal, glass, paper and card, and food waste, and you can find more details on what materials should be recycled in the Environment Act 2021
Do volunteers working at a premises count as Full Time Equivalent employees?
Volunteers are not included in determining an organisation's Full Time Equivalent employee count. This includes organisations that have volunteers across multiple premises.
Does the number of employees relate to per premise or the business?
Employment is measured per business, not per premise. Thus, multi-branch enterprises with over 10 FTE across various units must implement the changes and are not exempt.
My workplace has a combination of full and part-time staff. How do I know whether I fit in the micro-firm definition?
A business is a micro-firm if the number of full-time equivalent employees is less than ten. You can determine whether an organisation qualifies as a micro-firm by adding the number of full-time staff and a fraction based on pro-rata hours part-time staff members have worked in the qualifying 12-week period.
What will happen if I do not recycle correctly?
The Environment Agency will be able to issue a compliance notice against anyone who is a party to arrangements for collection made under section 45AZA or section 45AZB (industrial or commercial waste) of the Environmental Protection Act 1990 that is not compliant with the requirements.
Compliance notices can be issued against anyone not presenting the waste separately per the arrangements agreed with the waste collector. This will often be the waste producers (e.g. a business) but may also be, for example, landlords or facilities management companies presenting waste on behalf of the waste producer.
It is an offence to fail to comply with a compliance notice, and you may be liable to pay a fine on conviction.
I do not produce much food waste – do I still need a separate collection?
All workplaces producing food waste (including teabags etc.) will need to arrange for separate collection in accordance with the new Simpler Recycling requirements. This is regardless of the volume, and applies to all workplaces, not just those that serve/sell food or have catering facilities.
Workplaces have flexibility to decide on the frequency of collections to align with the volume of waste they produce, so it is possible to arrange for infrequent collections if this suits the needs of the workplace best. Workplaces could also consider sharing facilities with neighbouring premises where quantities are small, with the agreement of the neighbouring premises and the waste collector.
Do I need to provide recycling and food waste bins front of store for customers?
Workplaces will be required to present their waste for collection in accordance with the new requirements, however businesses won't be obligated to provide a bin for their customers. If businesses choose to provide bins, they will be required to separate out the waste collected where it is deemed to be relevant waste (waste which is similar in nature and composition to household waste) and present it according to their waste collection arrangement.
I'm a charity run by staff and volunteers. Do the new requirements apply to my organisation?
Yes. Simpler Recycling requirements will apply to all premises that produce household-like commercial waste (similar in nature and composition to household waste). This includes charities, and all relevant non-domestic premises, including those registered as charities.
We use a compost system for food waste. Is this still allowed?
You will be able to continue to compost your food waste. However, if you produce any additional food waste you do not compost yourself, you must arrange for this to be collected separately for recycling.
Businesses should take note of separate guidance on composting food waste at commercial premises, which can be foundon the Government website.
Is there any funding available for businesses to implement these changes?
No, businesses are expected to continue to pay for their waste management services. However, we will be providing advice and guidance for workplaces as they transition to compliance with the new recycling requirements.