How to Prepare for the Upcoming Waste Compliance Changes

Is your practice ready for the new recycling plan? Practice managers need to act now to prepare for the upcoming waste compliance changes and ensure their practices meet the UK government’s updated recycling regulations

CREDIT: This is an edited version of an article that originally appeared on gov.uk

In 2023, the UK government introduced a new recycling plan designed to simplify recycling and promote a practical, common-sense approach. As part of this initiative, all healthcare practices in England are required to implement new recycling and waste collection measures by 31 March 2025.

These regulations apply to all types of recyclable waste, except for garden waste and plastic film. For healthcare practices, the new recycling regulations cover a range of materials, including food waste; glass items such as bottles and jars; metal products like aluminium and steel tins, cans and foil; various plastic materials such as bottles, tubs, trays and containers; paper products like envelopes, magazines, copier paper and shredded paper; as well as cardboard, including boxes and corrugated cardboard.

Preparing for the Changes

To prepare for the upcoming changes, it’s essential to ensure your practice has the appropriate bins – and enough of them – to manage the different types of recyclable waste effectively. Consider implementing a colour-coded and clearly labelled bin system so that everyone can easily identify which bin corresponds to which waste stream.

Equally important is educating staff on the importance of recycling and the correct methods for doing so. This involves not only explaining the recycling process but also helping them understand the different materials being recycled. For example, staff should know the difference between recyclable and non-recyclable plastics, how to rinse food containers to avoid contamination, and why items like shredded paper or foil should be disposed of in specific ways.

Cracking Down on Illegal Waste

The plan also seeks to tackle the issue of unscrupulous waste operators who fail to follow proper procedures, ensuring that waste is disposed of responsibly and ends up in the correct facilities. To support this, a digital waste tracking system will be introduced, providing detailed data on collected waste and helping to reduce illegal waste activities.

As a practice manager, it is crucial to ensure that your waste management provider is fully compliant with these new standards. When renewing or procuring waste management services, include the requirement to meet the new recycling criteria that will take effect from March 2025. This proactive approach will not only ensure your practice remains compliant but also future-proof your waste management solutions.

For more information and detailed guidance on the new recycling regulations and how to ensure your practice is fully prepared, visit the UK government’s official website. Staying informed will help your practice meet compliance requirements and contribute to a more sustainable future.