businessinfomag.uk magazine 34 Thousands of micro-businesses risk falling foul of Simpler Recycling rules due to come into force on March 31, 2027, according to new research conducted by Hills Waste Solutions. Its survey of small businesses across the West Country found that organisations employing fewer than 10 people remain largely unprepared for the introduction of Simpler Recycling legislation on 31 March 2027, despite widespread support for sustainable practices amongst the business community. Simpler Recycling legislation, introduced to boost the UK’s recycling rates, will require all businesses with 10 or fewer employees to separate food, dry mixed recycling and glass waste before the end of March next year. The rules have applied to other businesses since March 2025 and to households since March 2026. However, many microbusinesses are still unsure what’s involved. Less than half (44%) describe themselves as moderately or very familiar with the requirements of Simpler Recycling legislation; more than a quarter are unsure exactly what they need to do; and 21% say they are ‘not at all’ familiar with the new rules. While about one quarter of small businesses have already started preparing for Simpler Recycling and 4.7% plan to begin preparations within the next three months, 25% have no plans to prepare and 15% intend to leave preparations to the last minute. Cost is cited as the biggest factor preventing small businesses from preparing for the new legislation, ahead of concerns about the space required for additional waste containers. Practical support In the absence of clear Government communication, many businesses are looking to waste and recycling suppliers for advice and practical support: four in five would like clear guidance and compliance checklists to help them navigate the changes; 61% want reassurance over the availability of bins and equipment; and more than half would welcome proactive reminders about preparations and deadlines. Caroline Wilde, Divisional Director – Commercial and Industrial at Hills Waste Solutions, said: “Our research shows that many small businesses support Simpler Recycling, but relatively few have started to prepare for the March 2027 legislation changes. Although the deadline may seem some way off, leaving it too late could create avoidable challenges around compliance, operations and service availability.” She added: “Small businesses should be aware The Environment Agency is already enforcing Simpler Recycling rules, issuing advisory notices to potentially non-compliant larger businesses and waste operators, with further checks and possible formal action to follow. By speaking to a trusted waste management partner now, small businesses can understand what the legislation means for them, choose the right collection and recycling solutions and put plans in place in good time to stay compliant and avoid potentially costly penalties.” While 78% of respondents say operating sustainably is important to their business and 51% are positive about Simpler Recycling, 82% have no recycling targets and struggle to turn good intentions into measurable results. Only one in ten small businesses surveyed currently separates all waste streams: 80% don’t separate food waste; 60% don’t separate dry mixed recyclables; and 51% don’t separate glass. https://www.hills-waste.co.uk Micro businesses at risk of leaving Simpler Recycling preparations too late, warns Hills Waste Solutions No time to waste RECYCLING Caroline Wilde TMT First expands into IT recycling Mobile device repair company TMT First, recipient of a King’s Award for Enterprise in 2025, is expanding into IT recycling and planning to create 40 new jobs over the next five years with the help of a low-cost loan from Michelin Development. The funding has allowed the company based in Chesterton, Newcastle-under-Lyme to invest in state-of-the-art equipment, expand its factory footprint to 42,000 square feet and reduce its energy costs and carbon footprint through investment in a battery storage facility and solar panels for on-site power generation. As a result of its technology investments, TMT First was recently accredited to the ICT Asset Recovery Standard 8.0 at DIAL 3 with Distinction, placing it in the top tier of IT asset disposal companies in the UK. Michelin Development, backed by a steering committee which includes NatWest Bank and Stoke-on-Trent City Council Economic Development Unit, offers subsidised, unsecured loans of up to £100,000 to manufacturing, engineering and B2B services companies with fewer than 250 employees based in and around Newcastle-under-Lyme, Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire Moorlands. www.michelindevelopment.co.uk
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