From 1 April 2025, the UK government enforced a new set of waste separation laws under the Simpler Recycling reforms — and for businesses across England, this marks a major change in how commercial waste must be handled. The aim is to create a consistent national approach to recycling, one that applies equally to homes, businesses, schools, and public sector bodies.
For commercial operations, the pressure is now on. These changes aren’t optional, and failure to comply with the updated legislation could result in fines or enforcement action. At AMA Waste, we’re already supporting clients nationwide to make this transition smooth, compliant, and future-proof.
What Are the New Waste Separation Rules?
Every business that produces waste is now legally required to separate certain materials before collection. This separation must happen at the point of disposal and must continue through collection and processing. Waste collectors are also bound by the same rules, meaning end-to-end compliance is now a legal requirement.
Under the new law, your business must ensure the following waste streams are kept separate:
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Paper and cardboard
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Plastic
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Glass
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Metal
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Food waste (if your business produces it)
This applies regardless of whether you’re operating from a single unit or across multiple locations. If the materials are generated on-site, they must be sorted and stored independently.
Why It Matters to Your Business
These new regulations are designed to reduce contamination, improve recycling rates, and minimise the volume of waste being sent to landfill. But there are deeper operational and reputational reasons for businesses to take them seriously.
Companies that ignore or delay implementation risk more than fines. Sustainability now plays a central role in client relationships, public procurement, ESG scoring, and even investor confidence. Falling short on environmental compliance could place your business at a disadvantage in competitive tenders or corporate partnerships.
The AMA Waste Approach to Compliance
We understand that no two businesses handle waste in the same way. That’s why we offer tailored support — not just collections, but a full strategic review of your existing waste systems. Our experts can carry out a site-specific audit, identify non-compliance risks, and recommend immediate actions to bring your operation in line with the law.
We also provide suitable containers for each waste stream, schedule collections to match your output, and ensure your documentation is in place for inspection or reporting. Whether you’re in retail, logistics, education, or construction, AMA Waste can adapt our services to fit your operational reality.
Stay Ahead of the Regulation Curve
These regulations are already live, and enforcement will only tighten throughout 2025. Acting now gives your business time to embed better practices, train staff, and avoid disruption down the line.
If you’re unsure where you stand, we strongly recommend a compliance review. Our team is here to advise, implement, and support your transition to fully compliant, streamlined commercial waste management under the new law. Contact us today to arrange your compliant waste management.
