by Trevor Bevins, Local Democracy Reporter.
Dorset businesses will have to find the space and cost of meeting extra recycling requirements from March 2027.
It will mean more recyclable waste having to be sorted at source for small businesses with ten, or fewer, employees.
Dorset Council say the government’s Simpler Recycling in England reforms will apply from 31 March 2027 with the changes designed to make recycling easier and consistent across the country by standardising what can and cannot go in each bin.
Larger businesses already have to comply with the new rules.
The council say that under the legislation, businesses will need to have separate collections for: dry recycling (paper, card, plastics and metal tins and cans); food waste, and general waste (items that cannot be recycled).
Glass bottles and jars may also need to be kept separate, depending on the collection service used.
Said a council spokesperson: “Although the deadline may feel a long way off, businesses are being advised to check now what arrangements their current waste provider has in place and what changes may be needed.”
The council also offers its own business waste and recycling service, with advice available online and the option to get an instant, free, no‑obligation quote. Services can be ordered in advance, with new bins delivered closer to the time the law changes. Businesses will only be charged from when the service starts.
Said Dorset Council’s Cabinet Member for Place Services, Cllr Jon Andrews: “These recycling reforms will affect every business in the country, including Dorset’s smallest shops, cafés, offices and workshops… I’d strongly encourage small business owners to review how their waste is collected now and speak to their provider about what will change. We’re here to offer clear advice and practical support.”
Further information and guidance for businesses is available on Dorset Council’s business waste services webpages.
