Independent retailers are still unprepared for new mandatory recycling regulations less than two weeks away.
From 31 March, the ‘Simpler Recycling’ regulations will require businesses in England with 10 or more full-time employees to separate their recycling and food waste from general waste. Businesses must also ensure they use licensed waste carriers for disposal of these materials.
Stores with fewer than 10-full time employees will have to comply from 31 March, 2027.
Several retailers contacted by Better Retailing in mid-March stated they were unaware of the changes, with one being briefed on the regulations just over a week before its implementation.
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Speaking at the ACS’s Safe and Responsible Retailing Conference on 12 March, the trade body’s government relations director Edward Woodall claimed some retailers were having “difficult conversations with waste collectors” regarding the legislation.
He advised stores who were unclear about their duties to get in contact with their waste provider immediately.
Failure to comply could result in a compliance notice issued by the Environment Agency. Notices may also be issued to those who do not separate waste in accordance with their waste collector’s instructions.
Additionally, from April, members of the public and other parties will be able to report businesses that fail to follow the new recycling rules to the Environment Agency.
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