DEFRA Updates England’s Simpler Recycling Scheme

The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) has announced key updates to England’s Simpler Recycling scheme, focusing on the collection of paper and card as well as the frequency of residual waste collections.

𝗔𝗻 𝘂𝗽𝗱𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗱 – 𝗯𝘂𝘁 𝗳𝗹𝗲𝘅𝗶𝗯𝗹𝗲 – 𝗮𝗽𝗽𝗿𝗼𝗮𝗰𝗵

Under the new guidance, paper and card are now expected to be collected separately, marking a departure from the previous “three-bin” system of dry recyclables, food waste, and non-recyclables, which we outlined in our post ‘Simpler Recycling with Split Lifts’ in August.

However, the guidance does allow for flexibility through TEEP (Technical, Economic, and Environmental Practicability) assessments. Local authorities can apply for exemptions to continue co-collecting paper and card with other dry recyclables if they can demonstrate at least one of the following conditions:

• Not Technically Practicable: Challenges such as limited depot space, access restrictions, or infrastructure constraints make separate collections unfeasible.
• Not Economically Practicable: Separate collection would incur excessive costs compared to co-collection, factoring in expenses for containers, vehicles, facility overheads, and material management.
• No Significant Environmental Benefit: Analysis shows no meaningful environmental advantage, considering factors like carbon impacts, material quality, and contamination rates.
• In another significant policy shift, the updated guidance removes the requirement for local authorities to offer residual waste collections* at least every fortnight. Instead, the emphasis is now on ensuring no build-up of odorous waste at the kerbside, granting councils greater flexibility in designing their waste management strategies.

𝗦𝘂𝗽𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗬𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗧𝗿𝗮𝗻𝘀𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻

With the first phase of implementation fast approaching on 31 March 2025, our team is on hand to help your council adapt to these changes. From logistical planning to vehicle support, we’re here to ensure a seamless transition.

* Residual waste refers to the waste that remains after recycling has been carried out. This remaining waste cannot be reused, recycled, or composted and therefore must be disposed of, typically through landfill or incineration.

Get in touch today to see how Endurance Vehicle Solutions can assist with your 2025 planning.

Read our blog post ‘Simpler Recycling with Split Lifts’ here

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