Legislation leads, savings follow

From 31st March 2025, England’s “Simpler Recycling” legislation comes into force, requiring businesses with 10 or more full-time employees to separate dry mixed recyclables and food waste from their general waste, prior to collection from their premises by their waste contractor. 

The hospitality and foodservice sectors are likely to be most affected by the changes, and with two thirds in the industry not currently recycling food waste at all¹, it’s evident that there are substantial changes to be made ahead of the deadline.   

Better recycling is better for business

The good news is that recycled waste is cheaper to dispose of than sending waste to landfill, and with landfill taxes set to rise by 20% in April 2025², correctly separating waste will help businesses save money on waste management costs. Implementing an efficient multi-stream recycling system into a standard 200-bed hotel, for example, could typically see a 25% reduction of waste management costs and a 20% improvement in recycling rates³.  

Foodservice operators can also reduce their overall waste. Studies show that sorting scraps to divert them away from landfill during food preparation, together with prevention and donation actions, could reduce overall food waste by at least 10%, alongside other waste streams being better recycled⁴.

Our tips for getting recycling right  

To make the most of the opportunity the new legislation brings, it’s important for businesses to get recycling right.  

1. Make it visible

Consistent colour-coding and signage with familiar symbols across all containers helps people to quickly identify what type of waste can be recycled and where. This uniformity will help to embed a culture of recycling compliance within your venue. With Rubbermaid Commercial Products (RCP), you can also tailor the labels on your bins to suit your venue’s specific requirements, and even include your logo to personalise further.  

 2. It’s not one-bin-fits-all

For busy areas where space is limited, RCP’s Slim Jim® Vented containers allow for uncompromised performance in a constrained space. The Slim Jim® Step-on comes with a tight-fitting lid that minimises odours and a durable pedal that offers hygienic, hands-free operation. The iconic BRUTE® is ideal for areas where high volumes of waste are generated. Famed for its durability and capacity, it can be used to either collect waste or as a storage container. 

 3. Choose modularity

Investing in modular solutions, like the Slim Jim® Recycling Stations, rather than single units housing multiple bins, allows the flexibility to adapt if your needs change without having to spend your budget on new systems. They’re also typically easier to maintain and clean compared to ‘all-in-one’ systems. 
 
 4. Invest in durability

Foodservice operators require bins that can withstand the tough demands of commercial kitchens. Save on the unnecessary wasted time, cost and environmental resources associated with the frequent replacement of lower quality products by prioritising durable containers that will stand the test of time. All RCP bins come with long warranties which give you added peace of mind.

Download your guide to the legislation  

Rubbermaid Commercial Products has created a simple guide to help businesses understand their responsibilities under the new legislation. You can download it here.  

Sources

1. Research conducted by Censuswide, among a sample of 250 decision makes with responsibility for waste and recycling management in England (18+). The data was collected between 25.07.2024 - 31.07.2024. Censuswide abides by and employs members of the Market Research Society and follows the MRS code of conduct and ESOMAR principles. Censuswide is also a member of the British Polling Council. 
2. https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/landfill-tax-rates-for-2024-to-2025    
3. Figures based on a national chain of hotels spending on average £20,000-£30,000 a year per 200-bed hotel. 
4. https://hotelkitchen.org/about-toolkit/