Environmental Legislation to Know in 2025
Overview
The effects of climate change are becoming increasingly evident, for both now and in the future. This had led to an increase in environmental legislation being introduced.
This article will discuss some key environmental legislation that will come into effect during 2025, considering what the legislation requires and what organisations need to do to comply. It’s a great resource for staying ahead of environmental legislation by knowing what is coming up, allowing you to prepare accordingly ahead of time.
Environmental Legislation in 2025
Already in 2025, we have seen several pieces of legislation come into force environmental concerns. For example, the Official Controls (Plant Health) and Phytosanitary Conditions (Amendment) Regulations 2025. These regulations aim to prevent the introduction and spread of plant pests and diseases by refining the phytosanitary requirements for importing and exporting plant and plant products. Actions under this legislation, which came into effect in January 2025, include enhancing inspection procedures and improving reporting obligations.
Also in effect this year are the Common Organisation of the Markets in Agricultural Products (Marketing Standards and Organic Products) (Transitional Provisions) (Amendment) Regulations 2025. These regulations and amendments aim to support the agricultural sector with improved market conditions and promotion of organic products, with the aim to assist the sector in ensuring quality and sustainability.
Many updates have already been made to environmental legislation in 2025. Alongside the legislation listed above, you can find more information via ISO Compliance Register, including our monthly update service and large database accessible via the ICR tool.
Separation of Waste (England) Regulations 2025
These new waste separation regulations are designed to increase recycling efforts through making the process simpler. Under these new regulations, workplaces in England have a legal duty to present the following wastes separated: dry recyclables, food waste and black bin waste. There is further guidance for separating your dry recyclables. The volume of the containers and frequency of waste collection are left up to organisations to decide, based on the amount of waste produced.
For workplaces, this is set to come into effect on March 31st 2025, while households have until March 31st 2026. It is important to note that microfirms, which are workplaces with fewer than 10 full-time equivalent employees, will not need to act on this legislation by law until March 31st 2027.
Food Waste Separation
As mentioned above, food waste needs to be separated from general waste as of March 31st 2025. This separation was set out under the Environment Act 2021. To stay compliant, businesses need to:
- Separate food waste from other waste streams.
- Store the food waste in separate bins/containers.
- Arrange for the collection of this food waste by a licensed waste carrier.
Some key tasks to achieve this may include undertaking a waste audit, setting up the appropriate bins with clear signage, and monitoring your waste management.
Staying Ahead with Environmental Legislation
With the amount of environmental legislation being released, it can feel overwhelming to try to keep up and know what needs to be done by what time.
With ISO Compliance Register, you can receive updates on the legislation you need to know, with helpful resources and typical tasks. Between our easy-to-use online tool, routine legislative updates and consultant led support, we’re fully equipped to help you keep your business compliant and sustainable.
