NEW rules surrounding waste collections are set to come into place later this year in Dorset.

Businesses and organisations will be required to have up to four bins to separate waste as new government regulations designed to make recycling easier, called Simpler Recycling in England, come into place.

The new rules, which will be in place by March 31, mean all organisations will need to have separate collections for glass (bottles and jars), metal (tins, cans, foil ), plastic, paper and cardboard, and for food waste.

These items will no longer be accepted when mixed in one general waste bin or bag.

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Micro businesses – those with fewer than 10 employees – will have until March 31, 2027 to become compliant. At this stage, plastic film will also be included in all recycling collections.

Households will not be affected by the new rules.

Depending on the waste collection provider, most organisations will only need three or four bins:

• Dry mixed recycling (paper, metal tins/cans/foil, and plastics)
• Food waste
• General waste (anything that cannot be recycled)
• Glass (bottles and jars) may need to be kept separate.

The rules will apply to businesses and other non-household municipal premises such as schools, hospitals, village halls, and churches.

Businesses may need to invest in new recycling bins and signage as part of the new rules.

Councillor Jon Andrews, Dorset Council’s cabinet member for place services, said: “The ‘Simpler Recycling in England’ rules will enable consistent, more streamlined collections from all households, businesses, and other non-domestic premises.

“But all Dorset businesses need to be ready for the changes.

“If you don’t currently have separate recycling and food waste collections arranged, you’ll need to get these in place before the new rules kick in.

“I strongly urge all business owners and managers to review their waste collections as soon as possible so you don’t get left behind.

“You should also make sure your employees are aware of the reforms, so they not only have the right bins available but that they are used correctly.”

Find out more about the changes on the Simpler Recycling website.