--- title: How logistics businesses can keep cardboard recycling efficient and compliant date: 2026-09-17T09:00:00+01:00 author: Isabel Dudley canonical_url: "https://www.spaciotempo.co.uk/news-insights/simpler-recycling" section: News --- [ All articles ](https://www.spaciotempo.co.uk/news-insights) # How logistics businesses can keep cardboard recycling efficient and compliant ![Industrial loading canopy installed by Spaciotempo at McCarthy Haulage in Wrexham.](/uploads/generic/News/_1200x549_cover_center-center_none/24647/on-site-recycling.jpg) It’s more important than ever for businesses to stay compliant with their waste management processes as the UK government continues to roll out its simpler recycling policy. Updated legislation regarding waste management for businesses with over 10 full-time workers on one site came into effect in March 2025, with new rules set to come into place for small businesses with fewer than 10 workers in March 2027. If you’re managing waste cardboard or other recyclable materials on site, it’s important to stay up to date with how the new rules will affect your operations. ## Why simpler recycling matters for logistics businesses Recycling may not seem like a priority if you run a busy site, but new legislation for businesses across the UK requires workplaces to separate dry recyclables and food waste. This includes separating paper and cardboard from general waste and other recyclable materials. If your business isn’t already complying with updated recycling guidelines, you could be leaving yourself open to penalty charges. The environmental agency can issue fines or even hourly regulatory charges for businesses that fail to separate waste correctly. ### Did you know? *Businesses in England with 10 or more employees have been required to separate recyclable waste streams under the Simpler Recycling regulations since March 2025.* [ Get more information ](https://www.spaciotempo.co.uk/contact-us) ![Neivalu tailored structure alt](/uploads/generic/home/_195x165_crop_center-center_none/Neivalu-tailored-structure-alt.jpg) ## Keeping cardboard dry and suitable for recycling If your business regularly stores and disposes of cardboard, it’s key to ensure that all your waste is kept dry and uncontaminated to be suitable for recycling. Leaving your cardboard uncovered can break down the structural bonds of the paper, meaning it’s unsuitable for creating new products. Mushy cardboard can cause sorting machinery to become clogged as well as inviting mould and bacteria to grow, contaminating the waste. These are all key considerations if your business handles large volumes of packaging waste. ![Murphy Plant 2020](/uploads/generic/News/_1200x549_cover_center-center_none/MurphyPlant_IMG_3924.jpg) ## Common challenges for warehouses and distribution centres With internal warehouse space being prioritised for storage and protection of stock, many sites across the UK are now struggling to keep up with changes in legislation. Recycling operations are regularly being pushed outside where waste is open to damage from the elements, especially as the weather begins to get worse towards the winter months. Existing baler locations might not provide adequate weather protection to ensure that materials like cardboard and paper can be recycled. This can become a serious issue if collections are delayed, causing temporary accumulation of waste. ## The benefits of covered baler and recycling areas Covered canopies or temporary structures from Spaciotempo provide the perfect space for storage of waste and cardboard, keeping everything dry and ready to recycle. This allows your site to remain compliant year-round. Having covered recycling areas protects balers and equipment from weather exposure as well as improving conditions for staff. Having a dedicated recycling area on your site makes waste disposal operations smooth and simple, ensuring that logistics operations across the site remain unaffected by waste management. ## Creating more space inside your warehouse Allocating a dedicated area for recycling can help unlock valuable warehouse capacity, allowing you to accommodate seasonal projects and store additional stock that brings in extra revenue for your business. By reducing congestion around goods-in and goods-out areas, you can improve workflow efficiency and support faster deliveries. A designated recycling space also promotes a safer, more organised approach to waste management, helping to minimise the risk of damaged goods, reduce unnecessary handling, and create a more productive working environment. ![Thompson Aero Seating, County Armagh, Northern Ireland](/uploads/generic/News/_1200x549_cover_center-center_none/24651/Thompson-Aero-Seating-06.jpg) ## A practical way to support recycling operations As logistics operators continue to adapt to changing recycling requirements, maintaining an efficient and organised waste-management process is becoming increasingly important. While covered recycling areas are not a legal requirement, they can provide a practical way to protect recyclable cardboard, support operational efficiency and free up valuable warehouse space. For businesses managing large volumes of packaging waste, a dedicated canopy over balers and recycling areas can be a simple but effective investment. #### Is your cardboard recycling area ready for winter? [Speak to our team](https://www.spaciotempo.co.uk/contact-us) about covered baler and recycling canopies designed to help warehouses and distribution centres protect recyclable materials, improve site efficiency and maximise available space. [ Get in touch ](https://www.spaciotempo.co.uk/contact-us) ### More articles [ ![Spaciotempo structure for cars within a parking lot](/uploads/generic/previews/_800x375_crop_center-center_none/Inchcape-Land-Rover-Derby-2024-0015-1.jpg) ### Why Choose Spaciotempo for your Temporary Building? 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