Legal requirements for business waste disposal in Fareham

Stay compliant with UK Waste Regulations

'Simpler Recycling' was introduced for business waste customers on 31 March 2025 to comply with UK business waste regulations, aiming to simplify refuse and recycling disposal, so that more items can be recycled across England.

Businesses with more than 10 full-time employees are now required by law to separate food waste from the rest of their residual waste. They have a legal duty to present the following wastes, separated in accordance with the arrangements with their waste collector:

• Dry recyclable materials - plastic, metal, paper and card
• Food waste
• Black bin waste (residual waste) 
• Glass (separate collection)

Businesses with less than 10 full-time employees have until 31 March 2027 to bring in the changes but are welcome to start earlier if they are able.

Businesses can find out about the Simpler Recycling legislation and their legal duty to separate their businesses waste here. 

Other commercial waste legal requirements

Section 34 of the Environment Protection Act seeks to ensure commercial businesses store and dispose of their waste responsibly. This means you must:

• Store the waste on your premises in appropriate containers
• Transfer waste to a waste carrier or operator who is properly authorised or licensed to handle and dispose the type and quantity of waste involved
• Have a waste transfer note (duty of care).

Our dedicated support team are on hand to provide information on the new legislative changes and what they mean for you. Email us at: wastesavers@fareham.gov.uk