Small businesses across Dorset are being encouraged to start preparing now for a national change to how business waste and recycling must be collected, ahead of a legal deadline in March 2027.

The government’s Simpler Recycling in England reforms will apply to small businesses with 10 employees or fewer from 31 March 2027. The changes are designed to make recycling easier and more consistent across the country by standardising what can and cannot go in each bin.

Larger businesses already have to comply with the new rules, and Dorset Council is now giving smaller businesses plenty of notice so they can plan ahead and avoid last‑minute pressure.

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.

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.

Dorset Council offers a 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.

Cllr Jon Andrews, Dorset Council’s Cabinet Member for Place Services, said: “These recycling reforms will affect every business in the country, including Dorset’s smallest shops, cafés, offices and workshops.

“March 2027 might sound distant, but putting plans in place early will make the transition far easier and help avoid problems later.

“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.