The Separation of Waste (England) Regulations 2024 introduces a legal obligation for the separation of waste for all workplaces (businesses and non-domestic premises) in England, with 10 or more full time employees, from 31 March 2025.
From that date, any relevant business or workplace that generates waste akin to household waste has a legal duty to implement a robust waste separation system for dry recyclable waste, food waste and black bin waste. This will include premises such as retail/wholesale, offices, schools, and hospitals.
These obligations will apply to workplaces with fewer than 10 full time employees from 31 March 2027.
The goal is to ensure that recyclable materials such as plastic, paper, glass, metal, food waste, and garden waste are collected separately to boost recycling rates and reduce landfill waste.
Businesses will need to fund their own waste management services, however the government has indicated that DEFRA will be providing advice and guidance for workplaces around these new rules.
Failure to comply with the regulations could result in substantial penalties including fines and potential legal action and the general public will be able to report workplaces that are not compliant.
Any workplaces which are likely to be affected by the regulations should ensure they are aware of their obligations and put in place appropriate systems to ensure they are compliant by the relevant deadlines.
Further government guidance is available here.
