Waste separation requirements from April 2025 onwards

The University updated its waste management system in response to the Separation of Waste Regulations 2024, which came into force on 1 April 2025 and require businesses with 10 or more full-time employees to separate waste into four distinct streams before collection, outlined by DEFRA’s Simpler Recycling policy.

Waste is now collected in four streams:

  • Non-recycling – Sent to an energy-from-waste facility
  • Mixed recycling (glass, metal, plastic) – Sorted at a Materials Recovery Facility for onward recycling, anything that can’t be recycled will either go to energy from waste or turned into fuel for cement kilns
  • Paper and cardboard – Collected separately to maintain quality and sent directly to a specialist paper recycling facility
  • Food waste – Processed at an anaerobic digestion facility, converting it into fertiliser and biogas. 

The system aligns with government evidence that source segregation improves recycling rates, as demonstrated in Wales, which now ranks second in the world for recycling.

The default legal requirement is to use four separate containers unless a written assessment demonstrates that separating paper and card is not technically, economically, or environmentally practicable. 

The rationale behind this requirement is that keeping paper and cardboard separate from other recyclables significantly reduces the risk of contamination from liquids and other waste, thereby preserving the quality of the material. As this is best practice and the environmental benefits of storing paper and cardboard separately are clear, the University will not be providing a written assessment to seek an exemption.

The University engaged with DEFRA, the Chartered Institution of Wastes Management, and waste contractors to confirm that the new regulation applies to us and that the four-bin approach meets all requirements.

You can read our case study about how the Cambridge Judge Business School is implementing the changes. Do share your successes and suggestions by emailing us at Facilities.Management@admin.cam.ac.uk