All registered waste collection companies in England, whether public or private sector, are required to collect waste from businesses and non-domestic premises from 31 March 2025 (31 March 2027 for businesses with fewer than ten full-time employees). Alongside the Simpler Recycling policy update, the Government released guidance on collecting paper and card with other dry recyclable materials.
Waste collectors should collect paper and card separately from other dry recyclable waste (plastic, metal and glass), unless it:
is not ‘technically practicable’
is not ‘economically practicable’
has ‘no significant environmental benefit’
Waste collectors must prepare a written assessment to explain why one or more of these options apply. Sharing business bins is a potential solution for waste collectors to overcome technical barriers, for example:
Reducing the requirement for appropriate waste management space - for example, storage space for bins and any access or planning requirements for this space.
Reducing the space to accommodate more containers in the premises or on the street, as well as any relevant access or planning requirements.