Waste not, want not: unpacking the co-collection exemptions for waste separation

Separation of waste is a legal requirement in England through the Separation of Waste (England) Regulations 2024. In this article, we highlight the current waste separation requirements and provide detail on the regulation amendments coming into force in 2025. 

Waste collection authorities, waste collectors and those arranging the waste from domestic, non-domestic and business properties must ensure streams of waste are separated into the following categories:

1. Plastic
2. Paper and card
3. Glass
4. Metal
5. Food waste
6. Garden waste

The Separation of Waste Regulations 2025 aim to introduce two exemptions to simplify collection procedures beyond the existing exemptions in place:

1. Plastic, glass and metal may be collected together in all circumstances, as well as food and garden waste.
2. Micro firms, i.e. those with fewer than 10 employees, are exempt from the waste separation requirements until 31 March 2027.

By allowing the combining of waste streams, these exemptions should simplify waste collections for both producers and collectors of waste, offering the chance to enhance recycling levels across the country. 

With these amendments coming into force on 31 March 2025, waste collectors will be able to rely on these exemptions without needing to submit written assessment which are currently required to prove an exemption applies.

For further information, please contact the energy and resource management team.