Clock ticking on Simpler Recycling as small firms remain unprepared
Thousands of small businesses could be at risk by leaving preparations for Simpler Recycling too late, according to new research conducted by Hills Waste Solutions.
The survey of small businesses in the Westcountry, found that organisations employing fewer than 10 people remain largely unprepared for the introduction of Simpler Recycling legislation on 31 March 2027, despite widespread support for sustainable practices amongst the business community.
The findings also reveal a significant gap between businesses' environmental ambitions and their readiness to meet the upcoming legal requirements:
- 78% of respondents said operating sustainably is important to their business
- 51% thought Simpler Recycling was a good thing for businesses
- 82% however have no recycling targets, so struggle to turn their good intentions into measurable results.
- 44% described themselves as moderately or very familiar with the requirements of the Simpler Recycling legislation
- 21% said they were ‘not at all familiar’ with the requirements.
- 78% of said they do not currently separate food waste
- 60% do not separate dry mixed recyclables
- 51% do not currently separate glass
- only one in ten small businesses said they fully separate all waste streams.
Simpler Recycling legislation will require all businesses employing 10 or fewer employees to separate food, dry mixed recycling and glass waste before 31 March 2027. However, Hills’ survey revealed substantial gaps in current recycling practices amongst respondents:
- 78% of said they do not currently separate food waste
- 60% do not separate dry mixed recyclables
- 51% do not currently separate glass
- only one in ten small businesses said they fully separate all waste streams.
Cost emerged as the biggest obstacle preventing small businesses from preparing for the new legislation. Concerns around available space for additional waste containers were also commonly cited, while more than a quarter of respondents said they remained unsure about exactly what the rules require.
While around a quarter of small businesses surveyed have already started preparing for Simpler Recycling:
- 25% said they have no plans to prepare at all
- 15% said they intend to leave preparations until the last minute
- 4.7% said they planned to begin preparations within the next three months.
- four in five respondents said they expect clear guidance and compliance checklists to help them navigate the changes
- 61% want reassurance over the availability of bins and equipment
- more than half said they would welcome proactive reminders about preparations and deadlines.
In the absence of clear Government communication about Simpler Recycling, the research suggests that many businesses are looking to their waste and recycling suppliers for practical support:
Caroline Wilde, Divisional Director – Commercial and Industrial at Hills Waste Solutions, said: “Our research shows that many small businesses support Simpler Recycling, but relatively few have started to prepare for the March 2027 legislation changes.
“Although the deadline may seem some way off, leaving it too late could create avoidable challenges around compliance, operations and service availability. Small businesses should be aware The Environment Agency is already enforcing Simpler Recycling rules, issuing advisory notices to potentially non-compliant larger businesses and waste operators, with further checks and possible formal action to follow.
“By speaking to a trusted waste management partner now, small businesses can understand what the legislation means for them, choose the right collection and recycling solutions, and put plans in place in good time to stay compliant and avoid potentially costly penalties.”
Further information on the legislation can be found on our Simpler Recycling page.
