Nearly 4.8 million private-sector microbusinesses could be affected by the next Simpler Recycling deadline, but many may not be prepared.

Simpler Recycling experts at BusinessWaste.co.uk explain what micro-firms must change by 31 March 2027 and what could happen if they fail to comply.

What are the consequences of flouting the new rules?

Businesses will not automatically receive a fine if they miss the deadline. The Environment Agency can first issue a compliance notice where a workplace is not separating its waste in line with the arrangements agreed with its waste collector.

However, failing to comply with that notice is an offence. The Environment Agency can pursue prosecution and, if the business is convicted, the court may impose a fine.

A notice will often be issued to the business producing the waste. However, landlords or facilities management companies could also be held responsible where they present waste for collection on a business’s behalf.

Do the rules apply to you?

The new Simpler Recycling rules affect businesses in England with fewer than 10 full-time equivalent employees, and arrangements must be in place by 31 March 2027. Businesses must separate food waste, paper and card, other dry recycling, and general waste before collection. Plastic, metal and glass can normally be collected together. Paper and card can only be collected with these materials where the waste collector has completed the required assessment.

The threshold applies across the whole business, rather than to each site separately. For example, if you have two locations with five full-time employees at each, you should have been complying with the 2025 Simpler Recycling regulations, as you’ll have 10 employees in total.

Mark Hall, Simpler Recycling expert at BusinessWaste.co.uk, said: “The extra two years may have made this deadline feel a long way off, but many micro-businesses will need to change waste collections they have used for years. Smaller firms often do not have a facilities manager looking after this, so the responsibility is likely to sit with the owner or another member of staff.

“The amount of waste a micro-firm generates does not change whether the rules apply. A small office might only throw away a few tea bags and lunch scraps each day, but these still need to be kept out of the general waste. That does not mean every workplace needs several large bins. The setup and collection schedule can reflect what the business actually produces.

“Businesses in shared premises should speak to their landlord, while those arranging their own collections should contact their waste provider. The important thing is to establish who is responsible and what needs changing before the deadline arrives.”