Guidance reviewed 8 October 2026.
Staff and members of the public can report a workplace in England that is not following Simpler Recycling rules. If your business still puts food scraps, recyclable packaging and general rubbish into the same collection, it is worth checking your arrangements now. Getting the bins right makes daily recycling easier for everyone.
Can an employee report their workplace?
Yes. The Environment Agency’s Simpler Recycling reporting guidance says anyone can raise a concern. Reports can cover workplaces, private waste collectors and organisations arranging workplace collections, including landlords, facilities managers and waste brokers.
The form is for England. It excludes household collection issues and businesses with fewer than 10 full-time equivalent employees, which have until 31 March 2027 to comply. The Environment Agency does not regulate local authority collections through this reporting route.
A recycling label is only the beginning
A bin marked “recycling” is helpful, but the everyday arrangement needs to work too. Can staff find somewhere for lunch leftovers? Are cardboard boxes kept clear of food and liquids? Do cleaners know where each bag goes at the end of the day?
For example, an office might have clearly labelled recycling bins by the desks, but only one rubbish bin in the kitchen. A shop might separate packaging during the day, then combine all the bags when closing. Walk through what happens from the first item going into a bin to the collection outside.
What information does a report need?
The official form asks for the organisation’s details, where the issue was witnessed and which materials were mixed incorrectly. Photographs can be supplied if available. The location witnessed may differ from the address of the organisation responsible.
Reports go to the Environment Agency’s national Simpler Recycling team for assessment. If an email address was provided, the team may ask for more information. Open the GOV.UK guidance and reporting form.
Put a workable recycling routine in place
Our practical advice is to involve the people using the bins. Ask staff what is confusing, then fix the awkward parts of the setup.
- Make the instructions easy to see. Use examples of the actual waste your workplace produces.
- Check the kitchen and customer areas. A desk-side recycling bin cannot solve every disposal question.
- Include cleaners and building managers. Everyone handling the waste should understand the agreed collection system.
- Speak to your routine waste collector. Confirm what goes in each container and how bags are handled after collection.
For the main requirements, deadlines and small-business exemption, read our Simpler Recycling guide for businesses. Non-compliance can lead to an Environment Agency compliance notice; failing to comply with a notice is an offence. See Defra’s workplace guidance for the legal requirements.
Keep specialist business waste on the right route
Replacing office computers or clearing chemicals needs a specialist service alongside your everyday bins. Quality Waste helps with WEEE recycling, Free IT Collection for qualifying business loads and hazardous waste disposal. You can also browse our free recycling posters and resources.
Need help clearing that separate waste? Speak to our friendly team. Recycle today. A cleaner tomorrow.