England’s waste system to undergo its biggest reform in April 2026

From April 2026, waste management in England will change forever. What has long been a confusing patchwork of local rules will be replaced by a single national framework under the government’s Simpler Recycling reforms. While the aim is clarity, the consequences of inaction are anything but simple.

With £110 fixed penalties, escalating fines of up to £5000, and rising landfill costs, businesses that fail to prepare could face serious financial and operational risk.

And according to Grant Keenan, managing director of Keenan Recycling, the biggest mistake organisations can make is waiting until the last minute.

‘We are always here to help businesses comply,’ Grant Keenan warned. ‘But leaving it too late puts pressure on systems, resources, and ultimately the business itself.’

National reset: what Simpler Recycling really means

From 2026, all households and businesses in England will be required to separate waste into four clear streams:

Residual (non-recyclable) waste.

Food waste.

Paper and card.

Dry recyclables (plastic, metal, and glass).

The intention is to end the long criticised ‘postcode lottery’ where recycling rules varied wildly between councils, creating confusion and contamination. For businesses, however, this isn’t just about sorting bins differently. It is about legal compliance, cost control, and operational readiness.

Keenan Recycling has been closely tracking these changes, and Grant Keenan is clear: this is not a soft transition.

Fines, sanctions, and rising costs

Under the new rules, businesses with 10 or more full time employees fall within scope, even if staff are spread across multiple sites. A company with five employees at two locations still qualifies. Responsibility may also extend to landlords and facilities management companies presenting waste on a business’s behalf.

Non-compliance can result in £110 fixed penalty notices, civil sanctions, fines exceeding £5000, and increased landfill costs due to contamination.

This comes at a time when landfill tax has already risen by 20%, from £103.70 to £126.15 per tonne. For many organisations, especially those producing food waste, the financial case for compliance has never been stronger.

Grant Keenan sees this clearly: rising costs are no longer a distant threat – they are already here.

Why last minute compliance is the biggest risk

One of the strongest messages coming from Keenan Recycling is the danger of delayed action. As 2026 approaches, demand for compliant waste infrastructure, bins, collections, and training will surge.

‘Businesses that approach us late may find we simply can’t allocate resources fast enough,’ said Grant Keenan. ‘Especially when multiple sites, food waste streams, or new infrastructure are involved.’

This is not fear mongering – it is logistics. Waste services rely on planning, vehicle routing, container availability, and trained personnel. Early engagement allows Keenan Recycling to design systems that work efficiently and compliantly, rather than rushed solutions that increase risk.

Food waste  compliance line businesses can’t ignore

Food waste separation is one of the most significant changes under Simpler Recycling. Businesses producing food waste, from hospitality and healthcare to manufacturing and offices will be required to segregate it correctly.

Improper disposal doesn’t just risk fines. It leads to contamination of recycling streams, higher landfill charges, and reputational damage.

Keenan Recycling has long specialised in food waste management, and Grant Keenan believes this expertise will be critical in helping businesses navigate the transition smoothly if they engage early.

Leadership through preparation, not panic

While headlines focus on fines, Grant Keenan’s message is ultimately about opportunity through preparation. Simpler Recycling offers businesses a chance to reduce waste, cut costs, and operate more sustainably but only if they act proactively.

The companies that will succeed in 2026 are not those scrambling to comply in March, but those planning systems, training teams, and aligning processes now.

Keenan Recycling’s role, under Grant Keenan’s leadership, is clear: to guide businesses through this change with clarity, credibility, and practical support and not last minute fixes.

Countdown has started

April 2026 may feel distant, but in operational terms, it is fast approaching. Infrastructure, contracts, education, and compliance frameworks take time to implement properly.

Grant Keenan’s warning is simple and direct: don’t wait for enforcement letters to tell you what preparation could have prevented.

Simpler Recycling is coming. The fines are real. The costs are rising. And the businesses that act now will be the ones best placed to thrive in the new waste landscape.