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A Guide to New Recycling Regulations in England: What Sports Clubs Need to Know

From 31st March 2025, businesses, schools, hospitals, and sports clubs with 10 or more employees must comply with new waste separation regulations. By the 31st of March 2027, this will extend to organisations with fewer than 10 employees. The legislation, introduced in October 2023 under the Simpler Recycling scheme, requires all non-household municipal premises to implement separate food waste and recycling collections.

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The goal is to standardise waste management across England, reducing confusion about recyclables and creating a more consistent approach across homes, workplaces, and community facilities.

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How Does This Impact Sports Clubs?

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Soon sports clubs, regardless of size, will be required to separate dry recycling, general waste, and food waste, no matter how small the quantity produced. This means clubs must review their waste disposal methods and ensure they have the appropriate bins and collection services in place.

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Common waste streams for sports clubs may include:​

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  • Plastic bottles and cans from refreshments

  • Food waste from club cafes or events

  • Cardboard and paper from promotional materials

  • General waste that cannot be recycled

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What Are the Benefits of These New Regulations?

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The new waste regulations offer several key benefits:

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  • Improved Recycling Rates: Encouraging clubs to separate waste correctly will help divert recyclable materials from landfill.

  • Environmental Impact: Reducing landfill waste will lower emissions and contribute to a more sustainable planet.

  • Economic Savings: More efficient waste management could lead to cost savings for clubs in the long term.

  • Compliance & Reputation: Being proactive in sustainability efforts can enhance your club’s reputation and attract sustainable-minded players, supporters, volunteers and sponsors.

Steps for Sports Clubs to Consider

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  1. Assess Current Waste Practices: Identify the types and volumes of waste your club produces.

  2. Introduce Clear Waste Separation Systems: Ensure you have bins for dry recycling, general waste, and food waste in accessible locations.

  3. Educate Staff, Volunteers and Players: Inform everyone at the club about the changes and how to comply.

  4. Work with Waste Collection Providers: Check with your local council or waste contractor to arrange appropriate recycling and waste collection services.

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By taking early action, sports clubs can make the transition to these new regulations smoother and avoid potential non-compliance issues.

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Implementing sustainable waste practices now will not only benefit the environment but also strengthen your club’s commitment to responsible management.​

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