Deadline pushed back for WRAP’s Simpler Recycling survey

The survey, conducted on behalf of Defra, will now accept responses until 22 September 2025.

It seeks to gather evidence on how non-household municipal (NHM) waste is collected and managed in light of the new workplace recycling legislation.

Scope of the survey

The survey is aimed at private collectors and brokers handling NHM waste and looks to identify current collection practices, the challenges posed by the new requirements and where support may be needed to increase separation of co-collected dry recyclables.

Respondents are asked whether they currently service micro-firms, what types of dry recyclable materials they collect and how these are collected from customers.

They are also asked to outline their reasons for using particular collection methods and whether they undertake any sorting of co-collected recyclables.

Other areas of focus include the likely impact of the new rules on collection costs, the reasons why some materials may not currently be accepted and any plans to expand the range of recyclables collected by 2027.

As part of the process, WRAP will also invite all respondents to a virtual webinar, which will provide:

• An overview of the workplace recycling requirements
• Insight into WRAP’s recent research
• Details of compliance and enforcement arrangements
• Guidance on available support and resources

Simpler Recycling

Under the new rules, businesses with over ten full-time employees in England are required to separate dry recycling, food waste and residual waste.

From March 2026, the legislation will extend to local authorities in England and will also require them to provide the separate collection of dry recycling, food waste and residual waste.

The environmental NGO recently released its updated Household Food Waste Collection Guide for local authorities to prepare for new requirements.

Smaller firms with fewer than 10 full-time equivalent employees have until 31 March 2027 to comply, which is also when kerbside plastic film collections from workplaces and households will be introduced.