New Simpler Recycling waste duties – Impact for Parish Councils

New Simpler Recycling waste duties – Impact for Parish Councils

The Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (DEFRA) has confirmed that The Simpler Recycling waste duties do apply to parish councils. From 31 March 2025 (or 31 March 2027 for micro-firms), all workplaces (businesses and non-domestic premises) in England have a legal duty to separate recycling and food waste from their non-recyclable waste. “Micro-firms” are workplaces with fewer than 10 full-time employees in total. Offices and premises used only or mainly for public meetings are included within the relevant non-domestic premises to which the rules apply. The government guidance is here.

NALC believe that most councils will meet the micro-firm definition and be exempted until 31 March 2027. They also recommend that councils that are within the scope of Simpler Recycling now seek advice from their principal authority/ waste authority for guidance on the practical implications of the duties.