Preparing for Defra’s 2025 Waste Separation Regulations: What Retailers Need to Know

As we approach 2025, a major shift in waste separation regulations will require businesses across the UK to adopt stricter waste segregation practices. The Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (DEFRA) has announced that, by March 2025, businesses with 10 or more full-time employees must ensure the separate collection of key waste streams, including food waste, glass, metal, plastic, paper, and cardboard. These changes are part of DEFRA’s broader strategy to improve recycling rates, reduce contamination in waste streams, and combat waste crime. Retail businesses, in particular, must begin planning for this transition now to ensure compliance and avoid penalties.

The Need for Change: Why Are These Waste Separation Regulations Being Introduced?

DEFRA’s new waste separation regulations are being introduced for several important reasons. First and foremost, the government aims to simplify waste management across the country, ensuring that businesses and households follow the same recycling protocols. This standardization will help improve recycling rates and make it easier for consumers and businesses alike to recycle correctly.

In addition, these changes are crucial for the UK to meet its recycling targets. Currently, household recycling rates are stagnating, missing the 50% recycling goal set for 2020. To meet the new national target of recycling 65% of waste by 2035, DEFRA is focusing on creating a more efficient and reliable recycling system. By requiring businesses to separate their waste, the government hopes to increase the volume of materials that are recycled rather than sent to landfill​

Another key objective of these regulations is to tackle waste crime, which has a significant environmental and financial impact. The Environment Agency estimates that around 18% of waste in England is managed illegally, contributing to fly-tipping and other harmful practices. By implementing mandatory digital tracking systems and waste separation rules, DEFRA aims to reduce illegal waste disposal and improve transparency across the waste management process​

How Will the New Waste Separation Regulations Affect Retail Businesses?

Starting in March 2025, businesses with 10 or more full-time employees must arrange for the separate collection of food waste and dry recyclables (including glass, metal, plastics, paper, and cardboard). Retail businesses will need to take a proactive approach to ensure they comply with these regulations, which could involve several important changes to current waste management practices:

1. Waste Segregation: Retail businesses will need to invest in additional bins or containers to ensure the proper separation of recyclable materials. This means separate bins for food waste, plastic, paper, and other recyclables will be required in stores, stockrooms, and warehouses. Staff must be trained on how to use these bins correctly, and clear signage must be put in place to help guide waste separation.
2. Collection Arrangements: Businesses must arrange for licensed waste carriers to collect and properly process these separated waste streams. This may involve partnering with commercial waste collection services that can handle each waste stream efficiently. For retailers, especially those with multiple locations, this may also require coordination between different sites to ensure all locations comply with the new rules.
3. Reporting and Documentation: As part of DEFRA’s plan to crack down on waste crime, businesses may also be required to track their waste and recycling practices more closely. This could mean documenting what is being disposed of, when, and how it is being handled by licensed carriers. While the specifics of digital tracking systems are still being refined, businesses will need to be prepared for potential reporting obligations​.

What About Smaller Businesses?

For businesses with fewer than 10 full-time employees, the deadline for compliance is extended to March 2027. However, it’s still a good idea for smaller retailers to start thinking about how they will implement these practices. Even though the deadline is later, preparing in advance can help ensure that there is no last-minute scramble as the deadline approaches.

Smaller businesses can also benefit from getting ahead of the curve, as many customers now expect businesses to adopt sustainable practices. Embracing these changes early can help smaller businesses enhance their environmental reputation and appeal to eco-conscious consumers.

How Retailers Can Benefit from These Changes

While the new waste separation regulations may seem like a challenge, they also present a great opportunity for retailers to improve their sustainability credentials. Many consumers are increasingly concerned about the environmental impact of the businesses they support. By demonstrating a commitment to responsible waste management and recycling, retailers can differentiate themselves from competitors and build stronger connections with eco-conscious customers.

Here are a few benefits of complying with the new waste regulations:

1. Brand Reputation: Consumers are more likely to support businesses that prioritize sustainability. By adopting proper waste separation practices, retailers can improve their brand image and appeal to environmentally aware customers.
2. Cost Savings: Proper retail waste management and recycling can reduce disposal costs. By separating recyclable materials, businesses may be able to lower the overall cost of waste disposal, as recyclable materials often incur lower disposal fees.
3. Compliance and Avoiding Penalties: Ensuring compliance with DEFRA’s new regulations will help businesses avoid fines and other enforcement actions. Retailers who fail to comply with the new waste separation requirements could face penalties that harm their finances and reputation​Business Waste.
4. Waste Reduction: By improving recycling practices, retailers can contribute to the broader goal of reducing waste sent to landfills. This is an important step in helping the UK reach its 65% recycling target by 2035.

What Should Retailers Do Next?

To prepare for DEFRA’s 2025 mandatory waste separation regulations, retailers should start by assessing their current waste management practices. Begin by identifying which waste streams are being mixed and which are not being properly separated. Then, work with a trusted waste collection provider to establish separate collections for food waste, recyclables, and other materials.

Training staff is also critical to ensure that everyone understands the importance of waste segregation and knows how to use the new bins correctly. Retailers should also take this opportunity to review their overall sustainability strategy, ensuring that waste management practices align with broader environmental goals.

Finally, consider communicating these changes to customers. If your business is taking proactive steps to reduce waste and recycle responsibly, let your customers know. This transparency can help build goodwill and show that your business is committed to making a positive impact on the environment.

Commercial Waste Collection with CDDL Recycling

At CDDL Recycling, we understand the complexities of waste management and are here to help retailers comply with DEFRA’s new regulations. Our commercial waste collection services can ensure that your business stays on track with the mandatory separation of waste, including food waste, glass, metal, plastics, paper, and cardboard. Let us help you streamline your waste processes so you can focus on what matters most: running your business. Contact us today for more information on how we can support your waste management needs as the 2025 deadline approaches.