Simpler Recycling for Schools
Did you know from April 2025 new regulations will mean your school has to separate recyclable materials and food waste from the general waste?
What?
From the 31st March 2025, schools, along with businesses (with more than 10 employees), hospitals and other non-household municipal premises will be required to separate dry recyclable waste such as paper, card, glass, metals & plastic, from food waste and black bin waste.
How?
Many schools in Devon already recycle well. They have recycling and food waste collections in place. If your school hasn’t, then you will need to contact your waste collection provider to discuss your options. Ideally waste will be separated into the following groups of recyclable materials:
- Glass, metal and plastic
- Cardboard and paper
- Food waste as a dedicated collection
You will need to separate paper and card from other dry recyclables (plastic, metal and glass), unless your waste collector has made arrangements to collect them together. Waste collectors may also choose to collect other dry recyclable materials separately, like glass.
Who?
The waste collector can be a private waste collector or your local authority (District Council) may also provide services. If your current waste collector does not offer the full range of collection services, you will need to arrange these services from other providers.
You must make sure that the company is registered on the Public Register of Waste Carriers, Brokers and Dealers. You can check on this website: https://environment.data.gov.uk/public-register/view/index
What next?
Even if you do have a recycling system in place, it would be a good idea to review your collection arrangements and make sure you comply with the new legislation.
You can find out more on the following websites:
Government Website: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/simpler-recycling-workplace-recycling-in-england
WRAP: https://businessofrecycling.wrap.ngo/
If your school needs help getting staff and pupils to use recycling bins correctly then you’re in the right place! The Devon Waste Education Team’s Zone website https://zone.recycledevon.org/ contains a wide range of activities, lesson plans, videos and details of how to book free educational workshops to help your school recycle well and lots to encourage a zero-waste culture in your school. Contact our team to find out more.
