Last month, the latest phase of the Simpler Recycling reforms came into effect for businesses across England. Now, any business with 10 or more employees must separate core recyclable waste from general waste to remain compliant.
This includes arranging collections for:
- Glass
- Metal
- Plastic
- Paper and card
- Food waste
(Note: Garden waste is not currently required to be collected.)
To manage these changes, businesses are adopting various solutions — some using coloured bins, others using coloured refuse sacks.
Why Use Coloured Refuse Sacks?
Polythene sacks — including refuse sacks, compactor bags, wheelie bin liners, and bin bags — are a popular and practical way to capture waste. They:
- Keep waste securely contained
- Prevent spillages
- Help keep bins and their surroundings clean and hygienic
Traditionally, black sacks are used for general waste, but coloured sacks for recyclables have become increasingly common. Colour coding makes it easier to identify and sort different waste streams, improving collection efficiency and reducing mistakes.
For example, many organisations use:
- Blue for cardboard
- Red for glass
- Green for plastic
Some councils even use specific colours for litter-picking bags, helping them stand out from fly-tipped waste while awaiting collection.
Using the right colours can significantly reduce contamination and improve the quality of recycling.
If you’re already using coloured sacks but still encountering contamination, why not go one step further and add printed instructions to the sacks?
The Value of Printed Sacks
Printed sacks can serve multiple purposes, such as:
- Branding
- Promotion
- Clear usage instructions
Most often, printing is used to show what can and cannot go into the sack. Whether it’s in text, icons, or a combination of both, printed messaging helps reduce confusion and improve correct usage — especially helpful when collection methods have changed.
Now that Simpler Recycling rules are in place, your staff or residents may be adapting to new ways of sorting waste. Clear printed instructions and colour-coded sacks provide helpful guidance and support the success of the system from the outset.
Free quote from Cromwell
At Cromwell Polythene, we offer a wide range of coloured refuse sacks suitable for all bin sizes and waste types. We also offer bespoke printing, so you can include messaging that helps users sort waste correctly and with confidence.
If you would like to receive a sample or a free quote for printed sacks, please don’t hesitate to get in touch. We’re here to support your journey to effective and compliant waste management under Simpler Recycling.