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The Separation of Waste (England) Regulations 2025

Jurisdiction: England
Commencement: 31st March 2025

Amends: New Legislation

 

Mini Summary

Two exemptions are set under section 45AZC of the Environmental Protection Act 1990 in relation to the requirements for separate collection of household waste and industrial or commercial waste. Waste collection authorities and waste collectors can collect certain recyclable streams together, without the need for written justification. Micro-firms are not required to arrange separate waste collections until 31st March 2027.
 

Summary

Exemptions are set from the requirements of Sections 45AZA(5) and 45AZB(5) of the Environmental Protection Act 1990, which require, from 31st March 2025, separate waste collections for: 

  • household waste from relevant non-domestic premises*; and 
  • relevant waste** from industrial or commercial premises.

*A list of relevant non-domestic premises can be found here.

**Relevant waste means waste which is similar in composition to household waste.

The Act describes 5 recyclable waste streams (glass, metal, plastic, paper and card, and food waste) to be collected separately, except if:

  • not technically or economically practicable; or
  • there is no significant environmental benefit. 

N.B. Waste collectors must provide a written statement to support the above.

A list of items under each recyclable waste stream can be found in Schedule 1 of The Separation of Waste (England) Regulations 2024.

 

Duties

Various duties apply and are available to view on the Legislation Update Service.

 

Link to full government text

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