Smiths News Recycle
Leading recycling partner of choice
"This scheme has been an absolute lifesaver for us as we go through a lot of cardboard & plastic. Extremely timesaving for us as a business & I have built a good rapport with the driver who collects our recycling. "
Mercury News Shop
"Good service, served with smile - happy"
Crown Convenience, Northampton
"Convenient service we can get rid of recycle everyday. Happy with service."
Flore Post Office and Stores, Northampton
"Fantastic service - good relationship with helpful driver. Saves the hassle and time for me and my business."
Forest Road Post Office
"It is saving me time and money. Credit where credit’s due, it’s working well. "
Mr G Doubleday
"100% recommend to other retailers! It makes our lives easier as we don’t have to recycle off-site We have had no failed pick ups"
Pasture Lane Stores
"You get a great service for what you pay for – very good value for money. Definitely recommend to other customers."
ES Stores
"I have heard many instances whereby this initiative has help reduced costs and how easy it is to use and urge any member to consider it for their business"
Jason Birks, Federation’s National President
"It’s convenient, affordable and saving us space in the stock room. It’s really working for us."
Mr Patel, Manchester
7 days a week
Flexible charging
Award winning service
Help you stay compliant
Early morning network
We scan every bag
Carbon friendly
Welcome to Smiths News Recycle: Your Leading Recycle Partner of Choice
Running a business comes with enough demands, so your waste and recycling service should make life easier, not harder. Smiths News Recycle provides reliable, affordable, and fully compliant recycling solutions for businesses.
Using our trusted, long-standing early-morning delivery network, we deliver a seamless service that minimises disruption and builds confidence. With local support backed by nationwide reach, we help businesses stay sustainable while keeping day-to-day operations running smoothly.
All Locations
Pay‑As‑You‑Go Recycling Collection Across the UK
Cardboard
Hassle-free cardboard collections that keep your shop tidy and your waste recycled.
Plastic Film
A closed loop solution for soft plastics and films your business can’t put in mixed recycling.
Dry Mixed Recycling
A simple way to recycle everyday materials like paper, card, plastics and cans all in one go.
Paper & Coffee Cups
Specialist recycling that gives single use cups a second life into new packaging materials.
General Waste
For non‑recyclable items, our general waste collection provides a reliable, hassle‑free solution.
Service Plan Recycling Collections
Vapes
A safe, compliant way to dispose of used vapes, keeping lithium batteries out of general waste and recycling rare materials.
Small WEEE
An easy route to recycle electricals like cables, chargers and small devices and recycling rare materials.
Why Choose Smiths News?
Partnering with Smiths News for your recycling needs not only simplifies the process but also maximises your impact on ecological sustainability. Renowned for our reliability and customer-focused approach, we provide flexible collection schedules and expert guidance to help you recycle more effectively across the UK. Our commitment to using state-of-the-art technologies and sustainable practices means that your recycling efforts are always in the best hands. Trust us to enhance your green credentials and minimise your waste footprint. With Smiths News, you are not just choosing a service; you are joining a nationwide community of conscientious recyclers dedicated to making a real difference.
How It Works
Put your recycling into our Smiths News barcoded bags, drums or tote boxes.
Place your recycling outside your business.
Our van/driver collects it.
Solves all problems!
The History of Recycling in the United Kingdom
Recycling in the United Kingdom has a rich and progressive history that reflects the nation's long-standing commitment to environmental stewardship. The UK's journey towards a circular economy began gaining momentum during the latter part of the 20th century, driven by growing public awareness of environmental issues and increasingly robust government legislation. Over the decades, the country has continually developed its recycling infrastructure, policies, and public engagement campaigns in response to evolving global environmental challenges. Today, the United Kingdom stands as one of Europe's leaders in recycling innovation, demonstrating what a united effort across communities, businesses, and government can achieve.
Key Historical Points in the United Kingdom's Recycling Journey
The United Kingdom's recycling history is marked by several pivotal milestones that highlight its leadership in waste management. In 1974, the Control of Pollution Act introduced the first national framework for managing waste and encouraging resource recovery. By 1992, local authorities began rolling out kerbside recycling schemes nationwide, making household recycling more accessible than ever before. The year 2003 saw the introduction of the Household Waste Recycling Act, requiring councils to collect a minimum of two recyclable materials from every household. By 2010, the UK had achieved a national recycling rate of 40%, a significant turning point reflecting growing public engagement. In 2018, the government published its landmark Resources and Waste Strategy, setting ambitious targets to eliminate avoidable waste by 2050. These milestones illustrate the United Kingdom's ongoing commitment to sustainable living and its role as a pioneer in the global environmental landscape.