From 31st March 2025, businesses in England are required to comply with the new Waste Separation Regulation. If your organisation employs 10 or more full-time equivalent staff, it’s now mandatory to separate food waste and dry recyclables (glass, metal, plastic, paper, and cardboard) from general waste.
At Ardington Archives, we’re here to help your business stay compliant — and stay organised.
What Is the Waste Separation Regulation?
Introduced as part of the government’s ongoing commitment to improving recycling rates and reducing landfill, the Waste Separation Regulation is a legal requirement for businesses across England. The aim is simple: ensure waste is sorted at the source to improve recycling efficiency and reduce environmental impact.
Who Does It Affect?
- All businesses with 10 or more employees: Must now separate food waste and dry recyclables from general waste.
- Micro-firms (fewer than 10 employees): Exempt until 31st March 2027.
What Waste Must Be Separated?
- Food waste: Must be collected separately – and can no longer be disposed of via drainage systems, including the use of macerators or digesters.
- Dry recyclables: Includes glass, metal, plastic, paper, and cardboard.
An authorised waste contractor must collect all separated waste.

Why It Matters
Not only is this a legal obligation — it’s also a significant step towards a more sustainable future. Effective waste separation:
- Reduces environmental impact
- Enhances recycling processes
- Demonstrates your business’s commitment to compliance and sustainability
How Ardington Archives Can Help with Waste Separation
Adapting to the new Waste Separation Regulation doesn’t have to be complicated. Ardington Archives now offers practical waste separation solutions designed to help your business stay compliant and organised.
Our range of recycling bin units provides a simple, effective way to sort waste at the point of disposal — ideal for offices, shared workspaces, and business premises of all sizes.
In addition, our secure storage and document management services can support your compliance journey by helping you:
- Keep accurate records of your waste collection and disposal activities
- Digitally archive key documentation, making it easy to access during audits
- Improve internal workflows with centralised and structured waste management reporting
- Demonstrate regulatory compliance with minimal disruption to daily operations
Explore our recycling bin units here and discover how easy it can be to meet your legal obligations — and make a positive environmental impact.
Whether you’re just starting to adapt or looking for better ways to manage your environmental compliance, Ardington Archives is here to support your transition.