Simpler Recycling: what faith organisations need to do, and by when
New recycling rules for workplaces in England, known as Simpler Recycling, now apply to charities and places of worship as well as businesses. If your organisation produces waste at its premises, you will need to separate it for collection.
What the rules require
You must separate your waste into food waste, dry recyclables (paper and card, plastic, metal and glass), and general rubbish. Plastic, metal and glass can be collected together. Paper and card must be kept separate from them unless your waste collector collects them together. The rules apply to all workplaces in England, and places of worship are explicitly included.
When the rules apply to you
The deadline depends on how many full-time-equivalent employees you have. Organisations with 10 or more had to comply by 31 March 2025. Those with fewer than 10 have until 31 March 2027.
Volunteers, contractors and self-employed people do not count towards the total. Part-time staff count as a fraction based on their hours. Because so much of the work in faith organisations is done by volunteers, many fall below the threshold and have until 2027, even if dozens of people help out each week.
What to do now
If you have until 2027, use the time to plan. Check what your current waste contract includes, how much food waste you produce from kitchens, lunch clubs or community meals, and whether you have space for extra bins. Planning ahead may also let you combine collections or renegotiate your contract for better value.
Wales and Scotland
These deadlines apply in England only. Wales introduced its own workplace recycling rules in April 2024, applying to organisations of every size. Scotland has had separate requirements in place for longer. If you have premises outside England, the rules for that nation apply.
How we help
We work out which deadline applies to your organisation, explain exactly what you need in place, and review your waste contract so that you're compliant without paying for collections you don't need.
This article is general guidance based on the rules as at October 2026. It is not legal or tax advice.