Commercial recycling: what your business must recycle and what it costs
Commercial recycling is the separate collection of recyclable waste from a business, such as cardboard, paper, plastic, metal, glass and food. In England it has been a legal duty for most workplaces since 31 March 2025. Done well, it costs less than putting the same material in a general waste bin.
Commercial recycling: key facts
| The rule in England | Dry recycling and food waste must be kept apart from general waste since 31 March 2025 |
|---|---|
| Smallest workplaces | Fewer than 10 full time staff: the rule applies from 31 March 2027 |
| Wales | Separate collections required since 6 April 2024 |
| Scotland | Separate collections required since 2014 |
| Plastic film | Added to the rule in England from 31 March 2027 |
What must a business recycle?
Under the Simpler Recycling rules, a workplace in England must separate these from general waste.
| Stream | What goes in |
|---|---|
| Paper and card | Office paper, newspapers, cardboard boxes |
| Other dry recycling | Plastic bottles, pots and tubs, metal cans, glass bottles and jars |
| Food waste | Leftovers, peelings, out of date food |
| General waste | Only what cannot be recycled |
Paper and card should be collected apart from the other dry recycling where that is practical, because glass and food lower its value.
What does commercial recycling cost?
A collector charges for each bin emptied, plus bin hire. A recycling bin costs less to empty than a general waste bin of the same size, because recycling avoids landfill tax and the material has a value. The saving comes from moving waste out of the general waste bin, then cutting the size of that bin or how often it is emptied.
If you produce cardboard, plastic film or metal in volume, the collector may pay you. See the current prices for recyclable materials.
How to set up recycling at work
- Look in your bins. Note what is in the general waste for a week. Most of it is usually recyclable.
- Choose the streams. At least paper and card, other dry recycling and food.
- Place bins where waste is made. Put a recycling bin beside every general waste bin.
- Label them clearly. Use the same colours and pictures everywhere.
- Tell your staff and cleaners. A sorted bin that is emptied into one sack is wasted effort.
- Agree the collections. Ask the questions in our guide to business waste collection.
Commercial recycling near me
Frequently asked questions
Is recycling a legal requirement for businesses?
Yes. In England most workplaces have had to separate dry recycling and food waste from general waste since 31 March 2025. Scotland and Wales already had similar rules.
Do small businesses have to recycle?
Yes. In England, workplaces with fewer than 10 full time staff have until 31 March 2027 to comply. After that the same rules apply to them.
Is commercial recycling cheaper than general waste?
Usually. A recycling bin costs less to empty than a general waste bin, so every material you separate lowers the bill.
Can paper and cardboard go in with other recycling?
They should be kept apart where that is practical. Paper and card that stays clean and dry is worth more and is easier to recycle.
Who enforces the workplace recycling rules?
The Environment Agency in England. It can issue a compliance notice to a workplace that does not separate its waste.