CleaningUpcoming Legislation for Cleaning Companies in 2025
There are a number of legislative changes coming in 2025 that are set to impact operations, compliance, and cost structures for cleaning companies in the UK. Cleaning companies must stay ahead of these developments to ensure they are meeting regulatory requirements while also managing their businesses effectively. Below, we outline some of the key legislative changes that will affect the cleaning sector this year.
Workplace Waste Separation Requirements Will Become Effective 31 March 2025
Under the Environment Act 2021, new waste separation rules will come into force in England from 31 March 2025. Businesses, including cleaning companies, must ensure that waste is sorted into specific categories:
Dry Recyclables – Includes paper, cardboard, glass, plastics, and metals.
Food Waste – Any leftover or discarded food.
General Waste – Non-recyclable waste that does not fall into the above categories.
Micro-businesses (those with fewer than ten employees) have until 31 March 2027 to comply. The Environment Agency will enforce these rules, with potential penalties for non-compliance.
National Insurance Contribution (NIC) Increase
Employers will face a rise in NIC rates in 2025, with the employer NIC rate increasing from 13.8% to 15%. The threshold at which NIC applies is also being reduced from £9,100 to £5,000 per year. This change will significantly impact labour-intensive industries such as cleaning, leading to higher employment costs.
National Living Wage Increase
The National Living Wage is set to rise to £12.21 per hour in 2025. Cleaning companies must ensure payroll systems are adjusted accordingly to remain compliant with employment law and to avoid penalties for underpayment.
Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) for Packaging Due In October 2025
Cleaning companies that use and dispose of significant amounts of packaging materials will need to be aware of the new EPR scheme. Businesses will be required to cover the full cost of waste collection, recycling, and disposal of packaging materials. This policy aims to reduce waste and encourage sustainable alternatives, increasing compliance costs for businesses using single-use packaging.
Deposit Return Scheme Has Been Delayed to October 2027
Originally scheduled for earlier implementation, the UK’s Deposit Return Scheme (DRS) has now been postponed until October 2027. This scheme will encourage the return of single-use beverage containers for recycling, affecting cleaning companies involved in waste management and recycling efforts.
Disposable Vape Ban Effective From 1 June 2025
The government will introduce a ban on disposable vapes from 1 June 2025 in response to environmental concerns and rising electronic waste. Cleaning companies should be aware of how this could impact waste streams and recycling procedures.
Increased Focus on Fly-Tipping and Waste Management Enforcement
There is growing governmental focus on tackling fly-tipping and improper waste disposal, with proposed measures including higher fines and even penalty points on driving licences for offenders. Cleaning companies must ensure all waste disposal complies with legal requirements to avoid fines and reputational damage.
What Can Cleaning Companies Do To Prepare for These Changes?
To remain compliant and mitigate cost increases, cleaning companies should take proactive steps, including:
Reviewing waste disposal practices to align with the new waste separation requirements.
Preparing for increased employment costs by factoring in wage and NIC adjustments.
Exploring sustainable packaging alternatives to reduce EPR-related costs.
Updating policies on waste collection and disposal to ensure compliance with evolving regulations.
By staying informed and implementing necessary changes, cleaning companies can ensure they remain compliant while continuing to operate efficiently in an evolving regulatory landscape.
For further updates on industry regulations, stay connected with relevant government websites and professional cleaning associations.
