Businesses Face £118 Per Hour Charges for Simpler Recycling Non-Compliance
The Environment Agency has announced it will charge £118 per hour to businesses in England that fail to comply with Simpler Recycling rules.
This is not a fixed fine. It is a time-and-materials charge that applies only where non-compliance is identified. Compliant businesses will not be charged.
The change forms part of the updated Waste (Miscellaneous) (England) Charging Scheme 2018.
What has changed?
The Environment Agency has introduced a new hourly rate to recover the cost of regulatory work linked to Simpler Recycling enforcement.
Key points:
- £118 per hour for regulatory time
- Applies only where non-compliance is found
- Travel time is included in the charge
- No minimum threshold for food waste collections
- Charges designed to recover costs, not generate profit
If a business is investigated and found compliant, no charge applies.
If advice is ignored and a compliance notice is issued, time spent on regulatory work becomes chargeable.
Why has this been introduced?
The policy aligns with the polluter pays principle. The aim is to ensure compliant businesses do not subsidise enforcement costs caused by non-compliant operators.
The Environment Agency states the charge will help:
- Improve recycling rates
- Reduce food and recyclable waste sent to landfill or incineration
- Cut carbon emissions
- Support the UK’s circular economy
In short, businesses that fail to separate waste correctly may now be required to pay directly for the regulator’s time.
Who is the most affected?
The charge applies to:
- Businesses
- Non-domestic premises
- Waste producers
- Waste collectors
Micro-businesses (fewer than 10 full-time equivalent employees) have until 31 March 2027 to comply with the full Simpler Recycling requirements.
All other relevant workplaces must already separate the following waste:
- General waste
- Food waste
- Paper and card
- Dry mixed recycling
Failure to do so could now trigger a chargeable compliance action.
How expensive could non-compliance
become?
Because this is an hourly rate, costs will vary depending on:
- Complexity of the case
- Environmental risk
- Time spent on investigation
- Travel time
- Follow-up visits
Persistent or widespread non-compliance typically takes longer to resolve, resulting in higher costs.
Importantly, this sits alongside other enforcement options. If a compliance notice is ignored, prosecution remains possible. Court fines are separate and returned to HM Treasury.
What should businesses do now?
Simpler Recycling is no longer just a policy shift. It now carries a direct financial risk.
To avoid enforcement costs:
- Review your waste streams
- Ensure separate bins are in place
- Confirm your waste carrier is licensed
- Train staff on segregation requirements
- Keep documentation and waste transfer notes up to date
There is no minimum volume exemption for food waste, so even small amounts must be separated correctly.
Our view
Mark Hall, Business Waste Director, claims this change signals a clear shift from education to enforcement:
Need support with
Simpler Recycling?
If you are unsure whether your current setup meets Simpler Recycling requirements, now is the time for action.
Business Waste provides:
- Free bins and delivery
- Flexible collections
- Fully licensed carriers
- Clear segregation support
- Compliance documentation
Call 0800 211 8390 or contact us today to ensure your business avoids unnecessary enforcement costs and stays fully compliant.
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