New, simpler regulations on recycling are coming into effect at the end of the month.
By Monday 31 March, 2025, clubs and facilities with 10 or more full-time equivalent employees must segregate the following materials from across the course and the clubhouse into appropriate containers to enable the recycling of valuable resources.
Small businesses with fewer than 10 full-time employees are temporarily exempt until Wednesday 31 March, 2027. It is important to note this requirement applies to all waste taken from the site, therefore course and clubhouse bins should be segregated in the same and appropriate ways.
The items to be segregated are:
- Plastic
- Glass
- Metal (cans, tins and foil)
- Cartons and Tetrapaks
- Paper and Cardboard
- Food Waste
By Wednesday 31 March, 2027, recyclable plastic films must be separated also.
Why are changes being implemented?
Simpler Recycling will enable consistency across businesses in England and whilst councils and waste collectors are able to decide best on a local level, the new regulations mean you will no longer need to check what is accepted for recycling in the area.
How do we comply?
The legislation will require you to separate materials out from general waste, this includes:
- Food waste including leftovers and waste generated by preparing food (of any volume, including if the workplace does not serve food or have a canteen)
- Glass – such as drinks bottles and rinsed empty food jars
- Metal – such as drinks cans and rinsed empty food tins, empty aerosols, aluminium foil, aluminium food trays and tubes
- Plastic – such as rinsed empty food containers and bottle
- Paper and cardboard – such as old newspapers, envelopes, delivery boxes and packaging.
You are also required to separate paper and card from other dry recyclables (plastic, metal and glass), unless your waste collector collects them together. Waste collectors may also choose to collect other dry recyclable materials separately, like glass. You should discuss how your dry recyclable waste will be collected with your chosen waste collector.
It is important to always separate dry recyclable waste, food waste and black bin waste from each other. Please check with your waste provider on whether they can help you ensure compliance.
Why is it important?
- Helping to tackle climate change: According to RecycleNow, current UK recycling is estimated to save more than 10-15 million tonnes of CO2 a year – the equivalent of taking 3.5 million cars off the road.
- Reducing costs: Recycling is often cheaper than disposal and there are opportunities to save money through a reduction in waste.
- Team strengthening: A successful waste reduction and recycling management programme relies on teamwork, and those involved with projects are likely to feel positive about being engaged in a good action which will benefit the club/facility.
- Sustainability Drive: Responsible waste management is a key focus of the Sustainability Drive, our sustainability strategy, and affiliated clubs and facilities are encouraged to reduce waste, and reuse where possible.
More information:
Further information and guidance can be found here:
