Businesses across Staffordshire are being warned to check they are complying with new recycling rules, six months after the introduction of new legislation.
Burton upon Trent-based waste management company Willshee’s says many organisations may still be unaware that the Simpler Recycling regulations apply to them, despite coming into force for non-household premises in March.
The legislation, introduced by DEFRA, requires all businesses and non-household organisations in England with 10 or more full-time equivalent employees to separate plastics, paper and card, glass, metals and food waste from general rubbish, as part of the government’s drive to improve recycling rates and reduce landfill.
The next phase of the programme begins in March 2026, when local councils will have to provide similar services for households.
Since the changes were introduced, Willshee’s has reported a sharp rise in demand for compliant services. The firm has seen a 133 per cent increase in food waste wheelie bins placed at customer sites and a 340 per cent jump in food waste tonnage sent to anaerobic digestion. Enquiries about glass segregation have also gone up.
While the uptake shows many businesses are adapting, those yet to act face the possibility of compliance notices from the Environment Agency and financial penalties.
Willshee’s is working with firms across the region to help them meet the new requirements. Services include free on-site waste audits, segregated collections for food waste, glass and dry recyclables, and training to help employees separate materials correctly.
Managing Director Dean Wilshee said: “We’ve seen fantastic momentum from many of our customers but there’s still a surprising number of businesses that haven’t yet taken action. The regulations are here, and there’s a real risk of being fined for non-compliance, so now’s the time to get fully on board if you haven’t already.
“The results speak for themselves. We’re helping hundreds of businesses increase recycling while saving money and reducing environmental impact. We’re urging any company still unsure of their responsibilities to get in touch now. We can make compliance straightforward.”
