A Simpler Recycling Update from the Green Team

Simpler Recycling is a government-led initiative to make recycling easier, clearer, and more consistent across the country. Until now, different councils and workplaces had different rules, leading to confusion and lower recycling rates.

The new rules aim to:
✅  Reduce waste sent to landfill
✅  Increase recycling rates
✅  Cut greenhouse gas emissions
✅  Make it easier for everyone to do the right thing

The Government deadline of 31st March 2025 has now passed, whereby all companies with more than 10 employees (including schools, hospitals, offices, and shops) need to separate their waste into three main categories:

♻️  Dry recyclables – clean and dry paper, cardboard, plastic, metal, and glass (which will be separated in some cases)

♻️  Food waste – anything from lunch leftovers to coffee grounds

♻️  Residual waste – general rubbish that can’t be recycled

What does that mean for us?

If you haven’t already, you’ll soon see clearly marked bins around your workplace to help us all sort waste properly.

This process is slower than predicted, and a lot of locations across Tingdene (and beyond) are still waiting on guidance and resources from waste contractors. But rest assured, each Tingdene site is working on their waste management policy and we will make this as easy and seamless as possible across the board.

What about at home?

The changes aren’t just for workplaces—they’re also coming to homes across England in the coming years, meaning we’ll all be using the same bins for the same waste wherever we go.

The government also aims to expand what we can recycle, meaning less going to landfill in general.

How You Can Reduce Waste Right Now

Recycling is great, but reducing waste in the first place is even better. Here are a few easy ways to cut down your environmental footprint, both at work and at home:

Refill, Don’t Replace

  • Bring your own containers to local refill shops for washing-up liquid, hand soap, and more

  • Keep an eye out for a handy guide to local refill shops – coming soon!

Collect Soft Plastics

  • Collect clean wrappers, bread bags, crisp packets, and other soft plastics in the office (and at home!)

  • Drop them off at collection points in many supermarkets (often near the entrance), including Tesco, Sainsburys, Co-op and more.

Find out more from Tesco here: https://www.tescoplc.com/sustainability/planet/packaging-and-plastics/soft-plastic

Use Less Blue Roll & Paper Towels

  • Use as little as possible when drying hands or washing up – every little helps!

Ditch Disposables

  • Bring a reusable water bottle to work

  • Provide mugs and cups for guests and get rid of paper versions

  • Say goodbye to paper plates and single-use wooden forks if you have/provide them

  • Bring lunch from home in reusable containers and reduce the single use plastic you buy/get rid of

  • Opt for cans over plastic bottles

Bonus Tips

  • Only buy things that we need and will definitely use

  • Buy items in bulk to reduce packaging

  • Share extras - set up a “give and take” shelf for spare food, stationery, or supplies

  • Make Zero Waste fun - get your team involved with monthly challenges or themed waste-free days

Where We’re At: Real Progress Across Our Sites

Head Office

  • Recycling and composting rates have doubled over the last 6–12 months

  • Individual deskside bins have gone, which has helped us all focus on what can be reused or recycled—and we’ve had fun repurposing the old bins:

    • As planters (holes drilled for drainage!)

    • As temporary watering cans

    • As compost tubs

    • Even as cleaning buckets

  • We’re now collecting film bags and wrappers, which are dropped off at supermarket soft plastics points

  • Food waste caddies are ready to be deployed - we’re just finalising simple guides to help everyone understand the difference between food waste and compostables

  • We’re also reusing the large plastic bags from toilet roll and hand towel deliveries as general waste or recycling liners - less waste, more reuse!

Racecourse Marina & Lodges

Hot on the heels of our Gold Anchor awards at several marinas, Racecourse has now been accredited under the Clean Marina scheme!

This is a brilliant recognition of the sustainability work happening on-site and our commitment to protecting our environment. Work is being undertaken to aim for the Clean Marina accreditation across all other Tingdene Marinas.

Upton Lake & Marina

We’re working closely with lodge residents to monitor water quality at this developing site, and early results are fantastic:

  • Water clarity: Excellent

  • Nitrate and phosphate levels: The lowest measurable

  • Wildlife: Otters, kingfishers, and other species are thriving—proof that our stewardship is making a difference

Holiday Parks

We’re making steady progress across all our holiday parks and group operations office.

  • North Denes Caravan Park and the Group Operations office are now collecting soft plastics alongside regulated waste

  •  All South holiday parks have rolled out new recycling, glass, and food waste bins for staff, holiday home owners, and guests

  • A few parks are still waiting on bin deliveries from suppliers or local councils—but we’re getting there!

A Small Change, A Big Impact

We know sorting waste might not seem like a big deal, but it is. These changes will help protect the environment, reduce emissions, and create a cleaner future for all of us.

💬 Got Ideas?

We’re always looking for new ways to reduce waste, improve recycling, and share best practices across the team. Got a creative reuse tip? Know a great local refill shop? We’d love to hear them – send them over to teamcommunications@tingdene.net and we might feature your idea in our next green update!

Thanks for being part of the change. Let’s keep the momentum going and make waste reduction second nature. 💚